UVM TCORS: University of Vermont Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science
Principal Investigator(s): Stephen T. Higgins
Funding Mechanism: National Institutes of Health – TCORS Grant
ID number: 2 U54 DA036114-06
Award Date: 8/31/18
Institution: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
Building upon research in the previous TCORS, the University of Vermont TCORS will conduct research projects on the impact of low nicotine content cigarette use in four vulnerable populations: socioeconomically disadvantaged women of reproductive age (Project 1), individuals with comorbid opioid use disorders (Project 2), individuals with comorbid affective disorders (Project 3), and pregnant women (Project 4). Each of these populations is at increased risk for tobacco use, dependence, and/or tobacco-related adverse health outcomes. Despite their increased risk, these populations are often excluded from tobacco regulatory studies, leaving a significant knowledge gap. The overall goal of the UVM TCORS is to provide sound scientific evidence on the impacts of tobacco products in vulnerable populations. The projects will examine the extent to which the availability and appeal of alternative non-combusted sources of nicotine (i.e., e-cigarettes) may moderate the impact of reduced nicotine standards on reducing cigarette smoking. That topic will be investigated in each of the primary vulnerable populations of interest, using common study protocols to the extent possible, as well as protocols that facilitate comparisons with studies in healthier populations as noted above.
UVM TCORS: University of Vermont Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science Related Resources
- UVM TCORS Project 1: Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes in Vulnerable Populations: Economically Disadvantaged Women (Non-Pregnant)
- UVM TCORS Project 2: Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes in Vulnerable Populations: Opioid Abusers
- UVM TCORS Project 3: Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes in Vulnerable Populations: Affective Disorders
- UVM TCORS Project 4: Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes in Vulnerable Populations: Pregnant Women
- The original scientific abstract and other project information can be found on the NIH website.