Smoking Research Study
Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles are conducting a study to discover if a new medication can impact brain activity in a way that helps individuals stop smoking.
Fast Facts
Smoke 5+ Cigarettes Daily
Not Seeking Treatment for Smoking
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Los Angeles, CA
Study Background
Researchers at UCLA are investigating whether a new medication containing cytisinicline can help individuals who smoke to reduce their cigarette cravings.
We want to better understand how cytisinicline, a plant-based alkaloid, may affect the brain’s response to potential triggers for individuals who smoke. We also want to learn more about the brain’s reaction to these triggers, and how that affects cigarette cravings.
This research study will last approximately 4 weeks, and may include a 2-3 week medication period. We will not ask you to change your smoking behavior while participating in this study. By participating in this study, you will help further research on smoking cessation treatments!
Study Background
Researchers at UCLA are investigating whether a new medication containing cytisinicline can help individuals who smoke to reduce their cigarette cravings.
We want to better understand how cytisinicline, a plant-based alkaloid, may affect the brain’s response to potential triggers for individuals who smoke. We also want to learn more about the brain’s reaction to these triggers, and how that affects cigarette cravings.
This research study will last approximately 4 weeks, and may include a 2-3 week medication period. We will not ask you to change your smoking behavior while participating in this study. By participating in this study, you will help further research on smoking cessation treatments!
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to learn more about cytisinicline as a potential medication for smoking cessation, as well as how it affects the brain’s response to potential triggers for individuals who smoke cigarettes.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Smoke 5 or more cigarettes daily
- No current use of non-cigarette tobacco product (e.g., pipe tobacco, cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah)
- No current use of smoking cessation treatments (e.g., nicotine patch, gum)
- Ages 18-65
- Generally healthy
- No significant mental or physical symptoms
- Not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the near future
This study will last approximately 4 weeks, and includes a 2-3 week medication period. Neither you, nor the researchers, will know whether you are receiving the medication or a placebo. We will not ask you to change your smoking behavior while participating in this study.
During the medication period, you will be expected to complete study tasks including:
- Check-ins with researchers about your cigarette use
- Online surveys about your cigarette use
- Weekly phone calls with researchers, which will last approximately 10 minutes
At your final study visit, you will complete questionnaires and a 30-minute brain imaging session in the MRI scanner.
As a participant, you can receive up to $185 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
