Varenicline Significantly Aids Young Adults in Quitting Vaping, New Clinical Trial Finds

A recent clinical trial conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham has revealed promising results in the fight against youth vaping. The study focused on adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 25, a demographic with high vaping prevalence—about 25% of 18 to 25-year-olds vaped in 2023, and approximately 8% of high-school students in 2024. Vaping has gained popularity as an alternative to cigarettes, partly because of its discreet use and social acceptance. However, health risks such as nicotine dependence, exposure to carcinogens and heavy metals, and lung inflammation remain significant concerns.

The trial investigated the efficacy of varenicline, an FDA-approved medication traditionally used for adult smoking cessation, in aiding vaping cessation among young people. A total of 261 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: one received varenicline coupled with weekly behavioral counseling and access to a supportive text service called 'This is Quitting'; the second received a placebo alongside counseling and the same support; the third relied solely on the text support. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, with follow-up evaluations at three months post-treatment.

Throughout the trial, participants reported their vaping status weekly, with verifications through cotinine saliva tests. Results demonstrated that at the end of the treatment period, 51% of those in the varenicline group had quit vaping, compared to only 14% and 6% in the placebo and text-only groups, respectively. At 24 weeks, 28% of the varenicline group had maintained abstinence, significantly higher than the other groups.

Importantly, the study confirmed that varenicline was both effective and safe for this age group, with no participants turning to cigarette smoking after quitting vaping. Dr. Randi Schuster, the study’s senior author, emphasized that the medication provided a potent tool for addressing nicotine addiction in youth, a public health priority given vaping's widespread use in this population.

The findings support the use of pharmacotherapy—specifically, varenicline—in conjunction with behavioral support to enhance cessation success among young vapers. As the medication is already approved for adult smokers, practitioners can consider prescribing it for individuals aged 16 to 25 seeking to quit vaping. Future research is expected to explore additional therapeutic modalities and extend investigations to even younger populations.

This study adds a valuable new approach to tackling nicotine dependence among youth, highlighting the potential to reduce vaping-related health risks through effective treatment strategies.