Nicotine delivery and pharmacologic response from Verve, an oral nicotine delivery product

Abstract

Verve, an oral nicotine delivery product (ONDP), was introduced by Nu Mark (Altria Client Group, Richmond VA) for smokers to use in places where smoking is prohibited. This study assessed the effect of this ONDP on plasma nicotine levels, heart rate, product satisfaction, and ability to suppress smoking urge and cigarette cravings. Thirteen daily cigarette smokers [8 men and 5 women; average age 33.4 years] attended two laboratory sessions, one occurred after overnight tobacco abstinence. Plasma samples were collected before and after ONDP use and measured for nicotine. In non-abstinent smokers, mean plasma nicotine levels increased from 18.3 to 21.0 ng/mL. In abstinent smokers, average nicotine levels increased from 3.1 to 4.5 ng/mL. After overnight tobacco abstinence, ONDP use significantly (p < 0.01) increased heart rate from 69 beats per minute (bpm) to 75 bpm; while urge to smoke decreased significantly (p < 0.01) from a score of 8.6 to 4.9. Participants indicated moderate product satisfaction that was not changed by tobacco abstinence. Analysis of unused ONDP revealed total nicotine levels of 1.68 ± 0.09 mg/disc. Spent ONDP discs were also analyzed to determine % nicotine liberated during chewing; results were 80% in the non-abstinent and 82% in the abstinent conditions (ns). Our study results indicate that ONDP use can increase plasma nicotine levels and heart rate and reduce cigarette cravings in abstinent smokers.

Characterization of the Abuse Potential in Adult Smokers of a Novel Oral Tobacco Product Relative to Combustible Cigarettes and Nicotine Polacrilex Gum

“…A substantial proportion (∼50%‐60%) expressed intent to use the test products, whereas relatively fewer subject expressed interest in the nicotine polacrilex gum (∼30%‐50%). These results are consistent with other reports in which ASs with an established preference for their own cigarettes typically responded more favorably to their own product than to other tobacco products 19,20,23 …”

“…Our findings align with a report 23 on another novel oral tobacco‐derived nicotine‐containing product (test 1, containing 1.5 mg nicotine), which is similar to test products except having a different chewable polymer matrix. Koszowski et al 23 evaluated nicotine delivery, satisfaction and urge suppression with the use of VERVE Discs in 13 daily smokers following periods of abstinence and nonabstinence from smoking. Plasma nicotine concentrations increased from baseline by 1.4 and 2.7 ng/mL, respectively, 5 minutes following a 15‐minute use period.…”

“…The study results should be considered in the context of some limitations inherent with such investigations. The sample size of the study is relatively small (n = 27); however, typical sample sizes for studies examining nicotine pharmacokinetics and subjective effects are often within this range 19,23,25 . Furthermore, the study was conducted in a confined clinic environment, and the subjective responses may not reflect real‐world observations.…”

Dual Use of Cigarettes, Little Cigars, Cigarillos, and Large Cigars: Smoking Topography and Toxicant Exposure

“…22–24 This is a common finding among nicotine-delivering combustible products including bidis 33 and RYO. 34 E-cigarettes 35 and oral nicotine delivery products (Verve) 36 also reduce tobacco craving. Differences in product liking and puff evaluations were generally similar among the cigar products.…”

Toxicant exposure from smoking a little cigar: further support for product regulation

“…Cigarette use has continued on a slow decline,5 while the use of some alternative nicotine delivery devices such as electronic cigarettes41 have increased dramatically. In addition, oral nicotine products42 are being introduced and promoted by the tobacco industry as alternatives when smoking is not allowed. There has also been a huge increase in the sales and marketing of cigar products.…”