A recent clinical study, called ORCA-V1, looked at the effectiveness of cytisinicline, a plant-based alkaloid, in helping e-cigarette users stop their nicotine consumption. The trial, conducted over 12 weeks and involving 160 adult vapers, compared the effects of cytisinicline to those of a placebo, each accompanied by behavioral support.
According to study investigator Nancy A. Rigotti, MD, the treatment was well tolerated and resulted in a significantly higher rate of continued abstinence than that observed in the placebo group during the last four weeks of treatment (31,8%). against 15,1%). Rigotti highlighted the growing importance of e-cigarette use, particularly among young adults, and noted that many, aware of their addiction, want to stop vaping.
She also noted that although many people try to quit vaping every year, efforts to do so are often unsuccessful. Although some studies and testimonials suggest the effectiveness of behavioral support programs and text messages, as well as varenicline (Chantix) for smoking cessation, conclusive data to support their effectiveness in the context of vaping is lacking.
Cytisinicline, although used for decades in Eastern and Central Europe, is not yet approved by the FDA for use in the United States. Like varenicline, it acts on nicotinic receptors in the brain, helping to combat nicotine addiction. Results from the ORCA-V1 study show that treatment with cytisinicline could potentially double the chances of abstinence compared to a placebo.
However, Rigotti highlighted that despite these promising results, a relapse was observed in participants four weeks after treatment ended, indicating the need for larger trials to confirm these findings and better understand the long-term effectiveness of the cytisinicline in vaping withdrawal.