Wake study seeks smokers for trial of a medication that targets nicotine addiction

Dr. Matthew Hong with Wake Research said smoking is a leading cause of many otherwise preventable diseases, including lung cancer and COPD, which includes bronchitis, emphysema and the buildup of plaques in the arteries.

"Only 10% of people quit permanently at any time they attempt to quit smoking," said Hong, adding it’s the nicotine addiction that keeps most people hooked.

He adds, "It is a blocker, so that even if people pick up a cigarette and smoke, they are not going to get the same nicotine buzz, for lack of a better word."

That may also be key to helping smokers avoid addiction to other nicotine products designed to help reduce their dependence on cigarettes, according to Hong.

Hong says, "Really, the behavioral therapy and counseling are as important a component as any medication that you’re going to give somebody."

It’s a blind trial, so a third of participants will receive a placebo, not the actual medication. A third will get the medication for six weeks and the rest will receive it for 12 weeks. All study groups receive counseling.

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Participants are compensated $100 every week for their time over a 24-week period. That’s $2,400 in total. If the study helps smokers quit for good, the benefits could be priceless.