New Zealand - effect of e-cigarettes on desire to smoke cigarettes and withdrawal symptoms..

April 18, 2010 - The University of Auckland’s Clinical Trials Research Unit study compared 40 adult smokers who on different days used a Ruyan V8 e-cigarette delivering either nicotine or placebo; a Nicorette nicotine inhalator; or their usual cigarette. It was designed primarily to measure the effect of e-cigarette use on the desire to smoke, but also examined the impact on smoking withdrawal symptoms and the acceptability of the device to users. “We found that the device delivered nicotine to the bloodstream in a similar way as an inhalator, reduced the desire to smoke, and was acceptable to most users,” says Dr Bullen.

PAPER: Effect of an electronic nicotine delivery device (e cigarette) on desire to smoke and withdrawal, user preferences and nicotine delivery: randomised cross-over trial C Bullen (c.bullen@ctru.auckland.ac.nz), H McRobbie, S Thornley, M Glover, R Lin, M Laugesen, Tob Control 2010;19:98-103, ABSTRACT.. Funding This project was funded by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Limited. RUYAN markets electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes and their associated replaceable cartridges.

“Overall the e-cigarette appeared to be as good as the inhalator in terms of reducing the desire to smoke and relieving withdrawal symptoms. E-cigarettes that delivered nicotine also had a stronger effect than those with placebo.” However, further studies are required to examine the potential and safety of long-term e-cigarette use, and a large clinical trial would be needed to determine their effectiveness in helping people stop smoking.

The first clinical trial of the e-cigarette in the world, conducted in 2008, was also carried out by the University of Auckland’s Clinical Trial’s Research Unit; however, neither of the studies are particularly relevant to Australia and New Zealand, since electronic cigarettes containing nicotine are not yet available in these countries. In Australia, the sale of electronic cigarettes containing nicotine is illegal. Moreover, in New Zealand, the Ministry of Health has ruled that e-cigarettes containing nicotine cartridges fall under the requirements of the Medicines Act, and cannot be sold except as a registered medicine.

In another study led by Dr. Thomas Eissenberg at the Virginia Commonwealth University found that almost no nicotine was actually delivered by the e-cigarettes and instead users were actually inhaling a nicotine-devoid toxic vapor of compounds like diethylene glycol or nitrosamines, a family of cancer-causing nitrogen compounds. The study involved 16 participants and extensively monitored nicotine levels in the body and heart rates when using both traditional and electronic cigarettes. Describes Dr. Eissenberg, "They are as effective at nicotine delivery as puffing on an unlit cigarette. These e-cigs do not deliver nicotine. Ten puffs from either of these electronic cigarettes with a 16 mg nicotine cartridge delivered little to no nicotine." (Electronic cigarettes - study finds not an effective nicotine delivery system..)

References: Research highlights the potential of e-cigarettes
16 April 2010; No E-Cigarettes For Australasia, Press Release: University of Auckland, Scoop Independent News, 4/12/2010.

Some FDA - e-cigarette news briefs:
U.S. e-cigarette imports banned indefinitely - ASH..;
THIS MUST STOP - e-cigarette company asking active duty soldiers to buy their product..;
Electronic cigarettes - study finds not an effective nicotine delivery system..;
U.S. - federal appeals court, import of e-cigarettes on hold again..;
U.S. FDA appealing a federal judge's ruling on e-cigarettes..;
U.S. FDA - judges ruling regarding e-cigarettes must be appealed - ASAP..;
California - attorney general thinks e-cigarette distributor is targeting minors..;
E-cigarettes - scientists want more safety studies before use..;
In Process: US. Federal District court judge makes serious error regarding the import of e-cigarettes..;
New Jersey assemblywoman wants to limit electronic (e) cigarettes..;
"Smoking Everywhere", an electronic cigarettes retailer sued..;
Dubai, UAE customs blocks e-cigarette shipment..;
Connecticut AG Blumnethal wants to ban e-cigarettes..;
Orgeon - files lawsuit against e-cigarette company..;
Saudi Arabia - banning sales of electronic (e) cigarettes..;
Smoking Everywhere - e-cigarette distributor..;
Oregon - electronic (e) cigarettes sales prohibited until approved by FDA..;