Smoking Research Study

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are testing a treatment to help individuals both quit smoking and prevent post-quit weight gain.

Fast Facts

18-75 Years Old and Have Been Smoking Cigarettes for over 1 Year

Desire to Quit Smoking

Have Higher than Normal Blood Sugar And/or Are Overweight/Obese

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Houston, TX

Study Background

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are testing exenatide as a supplementary treatment to help individuals quit smoking while reducing post-quit weight gain.

Many smokers experience weight gain after quitting cigarettes, which can discourage them from making the decision to stop smoking altogether. Identifying a treatment that can both help smokers quit cigarettes and mitigate post-quit weight gain could help address a major obstacle to quitting smoking. 

This study aims to test exenatide, an injectable medication used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, as a treatment for smoking cessation and prevention of post-quit weight gain. We will compare quit rates and post-quit weight gain between participants using only nicotine patches and those using exenatide as a supplementary treatment alongside nicotine patches to determine exenatide’s effectiveness.

Study Background

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are testing exenatide as a supplementary treatment to help individuals quit smoking while reducing post-quit weight gain.

Many smokers experience weight gain after quitting cigarettes, which can discourage them from making the decision to stop smoking altogether. Identifying a treatment that can both help smokers quit cigarettes and mitigate post-quit weight gain could help address a major obstacle to quitting smoking. 

This study aims to test exenatide, an injectable medication used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, as a treatment for smoking cessation and prevention of post-quit weight gain. We will compare quit rates and post-quit weight gain between participants using only nicotine patches and those using exenatide as a supplementary treatment alongside nicotine patches to determine exenatide’s effectiveness.

Additional Information

Through this study, we aim to determine whether use of exenatide as a supplementary treatment alongside nicotine patches can help individuals quit smoking while reducing post-quit weight gain.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 18-75 years old
  • Have been smoking cigarettes for over 1 year
  • Desire to quit smoking
  • Have higher than normal blood sugar and/or are overweight/obese

Participants will complete 17 visits over the course of 27 weeks. This will include a screening visit, 14 weekly clinic visits during the treatment portion of the study, and 2 follow-up visits during weeks 15 and 26. Participants will receive treatment – either exenatide or a placebo alongside a nicotine patch – for 2 weeks before the target quit day and 12 weeks afterwards. Throughout the study, we will also collect biological samples including blood, urine, and breath samples.

Participants can receive up to $580 for their time and effort. 

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.