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What smoking cessation clinical trials are studying now
New medicines. Cytisinicline, a plant alkaloid that works on the same receptors as varenicline, helped about 1 in 3 people quit by 12 weeks in its US trial versus 1 in 14 on placebo; the FDA asked for manufacturing fixes in June 2026 but found no problems with its safety or effectiveness. Current studies look at how it acts in the brain.
Weight loss drugs. GLP-1 medicines seem to reduce cravings of many kinds, and a multi site Phase 2 trial is testing tirzepatide as a quit smoking treatment. A separate Lilly study tests a medicine to prevent the weight gain that leads many people back to cigarettes.
Better use of approved medicines. Combining varenicline with nicotine lozenges, guided by a smartphone app, or stretching treatment for people who relapse.
Brain stimulation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, which the FDA cleared for smoking cessation in 2020, tested in new combinations with behavioral training.
Support that fits real life. Chatbots, text programs, technology assisted counseling, and financial incentives, including studies that enroll couples who both smoke.
Specific groups. People living with HIV, Native American communities, and people who smoke and use other substances, who are often left out of standard trials.
Why smoking cessation still needs new tools
Seven medicines are approved in the US: five forms of nicotine replacement, bupropion, and varenicline. They work, and they are cheap now that all are generic, but most people who try to quit in a given year still do not succeed, and many never use a medicine at all. Two things are changing. First, researchers are borrowing from other fields: GLP-1 drugs from obesity care, magnetic stimulation from psychiatry, and behavioral economics for rewards. Second, trials are moving out of clinics and onto phones, so support arrives at the moment a craving hits.
Our guide to smoking cessation medication research goes deeper on the medicines.
Want to understand the dependence itself, or nicotine pouches and vaping? See nicotine addiction clinical trials and vaping clinical trials. For other substances, see addiction treatment clinical trials.
Who can participate in smoking cessation clinical trials?
Most medicine trials enroll adults who smoke daily, often 5 or 10 or more cigarettes a day, and who want to quit within the next month or two. Many exclude people using other cessation medicines at the same time, and some require a break from them first. Trials of weight related medicines have BMI ranges and exclude some medical conditions. Studies of apps, chatbots, and incentives usually have looser rules and may enroll people who are not yet ready to set a quit date. Some studies are designed for specific groups, such as couples who both smoke or people with HIV. Because most drug trials are placebo controlled, no one is promised the study medicine. Eligibility always varies by study.
Is there compensation for taking part?
Some studies offer compensation for time and travel, and study medicines, counseling, and visits are typically provided at no cost as part of a clinical trial. Compensation varies by trial and is always described during the informed consent process before you agree to anything.
Curious whether clinical trials pay participants? Here's how compensation actually works.
Does tirzepatide help you quit smoking?
It is being tested, not proven. GLP-1 medicines appear to reduce cravings, so a multi site trial is comparing tirzepatide with placebo in adults who smoke. Until results are in, it is not an approved treatment for smoking.
Do these studies help with vaping too?
Some enroll people who both smoke and vape, but vaping cessation is studied separately; see our vaping page. Cytisinicline holds an FDA breakthrough designation for vaping cessation and is being tested for it.
How to enroll in a clinical trial for smoking
Enrolling in a smoking clinical trial through our platform is a straightforward and user-friendly process. Here's how to get started:
- Identify Your Trial: Use our intuitive search bar or filter options to locate clinical trials specific to requirements. This first step simplifies the process of finding relevant research studies tailored to your needs.
- Select Your Preferred Location: To find trials conveniently located near you, simply input your preferred location into the dedicated filter bar on the left-hand side of the page.
- Explore Study Details: For in-depth information about each study, simply click the “Learn More” button. This will provide you with comprehensive details about the trial, including objectives, procedures, and eligibility criteria.
- Complete the Health Profile: After clicking on the “Get started” button you will be taken to our efficient 5-step application process to provide important health information. This helps us match you with the clinical trial that best fits your needs.
- Submit the Application: After completing the application, send it in. A clinical trial coordinator will review it and contact you regarding the possibility of participation.