Nicotine DependenceNCT07712887
Puff Topography and Sensory Effects Across IQOS Device Generations
A study testing IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco Sticks and IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco Sticks in people with Nicotine Dependence and Tobacco Use, run by American University of Beirut Medical Center at 2 sites in Lebanon.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how people use two generations of IQOS heated tobacco devices and how each device affects their smoking behavior and sensory experience. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Nicotine Dependence, Tobacco Use
- What is being tested?
- IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco Sticks and IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco Sticks
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesLebanon
- Study dates
- 27 Jul 2026to 15 Dec 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Current IQOS user (at least 3 days per week in the past 30 days)
- Age 18 to 65 years
- Generally healthy
- Willing to provide informed written consent
- Willing to attend all laboratory visits
- Willing to abstain from all nicotine and tobacco products for at least 12 hours before each visit
Who cannot join
- Use of any tobacco products other than IQOS in the past 30 days
- Chronic cardiovascular conditions, seizures, or abnormal blood pressure
- Current psychiatric disorder requiring active treatment, including major depressive disorder
- Regular use of prescription medications that may influence cardiovascular function, respiratory function, or nicotine metabolism (excluding vitamins or birth control)
- Use of cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, or methamphetamines in the past month
- Marijuana use on more than 15 days per month
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Plans to quit nicotine or tobacco products within the next 30 days
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Lebanon2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Clinical Aerosol Technology Laboratory (CATLAB), American University of Beirut
Beirut, Beirut, 1107 2020
Dr. Soha Talih, PHD, +9611350000 ext. 3627, st38@aub.edu.lb
- Recruiting
Clinical Aerosol Technology Laboratory (CATLAB), American University of Beirut
Beirut
About this study
Official title: Puff Topography and Sensory Effects Across IQOS Device Generations: A Randomized Crossover Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how people use two generations of IQOS heated tobacco devices and how each device affects their smoking behavior and sensory experience.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
- Do participants puff differently when using the newer IQOS Iluma i compared to the older IQOS 2.4?
- Does the flavor of the tobacco stick (preferred flavor vs. standard tobacco flavor) affect puffing behavior or sensory experience?
- What are the differences in throat hit, mouthfeel, and satisfaction between the two devices?
Participants will:
- Attend 2 laboratory visits at the American University of Beirut
- Use both the IQOS Iluma i and IQOS 2.4 devices during each visit
- Have their puffing behavior recorded automatically during device use
- Provide a breath sample before and after each use session
- Complete short questionnaires about how each device felt and their urge to smoke
Read the detailed description
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) such as IQOS have evolved across generations, with newer models using induction-based heating rather than a ceramic blade. Nicotine yields have declined across generations, raising the possibility that sensory characteristics have been modified to maintain product appeal. Current emissions assessments rely on standardized machine-puffing regimens derived from cigarette testing, which may not reflect real-world IQOS user behavior. This study will characterize puff topography (volume, duration, flow rate, inter-puff interval, number of puffs) in 50 exclusive IQOS users during ad-libitum use of the IQOS Iluma i and IQOS 2.4 under preferred and standardized (Amber) flavor conditions. A randomized crossover design with two visits will be used, with device order within each visit randomized using a Williams design. Secondary outcomes include chemosensory ratings (mouthfeel, ease of draw, throat hit), and subjective effects (satisfaction, pleasantness, taste, urges). Data will inform device-specific puffing regimens for use in future emissions assessments.
- Conditions
- Nicotine Dependence, Tobacco Use
- Being tested
- IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco Sticks, IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco Sticks
- Keywords
- Heated Tobacco Products, IQOS, Puff Topography, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Nicotine, Subjective Effects, Tobacco Harm Reduction
- Medical subject headings
- Tobacco Use Disorder, Tobacco Use, Vaping
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco SticksDevice
The IQOS Iluma i is an induction-heated tobacco device used with TEREA STICKS. Participants use the device ad libitum during two smoking bouts (preferred flavor and Amber flavor conditions) across two study visits. Puff topography is recorded continuously during use.
IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco SticksDevice
The IQOS 2.4 is a ceramic blade-heated tobacco device used with HEETS tobacco sticks. Participants use the device ad libitum during two smoking bouts (preferred flavor and Amber flavor conditions) across two study visits. Puff topography is recorded continuously during use.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| IQOS Iluma i (Induction Heating) | Experimental | Participants use the IQOS Iluma i device with TEREA tobacco sticks under two flavor conditions (preferred flavor and standardized Amber flavor) across study visits. The IQOS Iluma i uses induction-based heating technology. Receives: Device: IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco Sticks |
| IQOS 2.4 (Blade Heating) | Active comparator | Participants use the IQOS 2.4 device with HEETS tobacco sticks under two flavor conditions (preferred flavor and standardized Amber flavor) across study visits. The IQOS 2.4 uses ceramic blade heating technology. Receives: Device: IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco Sticks |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Chemosensory Effects - Mouthful
Chemosensory Effects: Three sensory feedback items assessed after each smoking bout: (1) Mouthful - amount of aerosol filling the mouth, rated on a 1-5 visual analog scale (1 = barely any smoke to 5 = a lot of smoke); higher scores indicate greater mouthful sensation.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Chemosensory Effects - Ease of draw
Chemosensory Effects: Three sensory feedback items assessed after each smoking bout: (2) Ease of draw - effort required to draw a puff, rated on a 1-5 visual analog scale (1 = easy to 5 = hard); higher scores indicate greater effort required.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Chemosensory Effects - Throat hit
Chemosensory Effects: Three sensory feedback items assessed after each smoking bout: (3) Throat hit - intensity of throat sensation, rated on a 0-100 General Labeled Magnitude Scale (0 = barely detectable to 100 = strongest imaginable); higher scores indicate greater throat hit intensity.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Mean Puff Duration
Mean duration (seconds) of each puff recorded continuously during ad-libitum use of each device using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Measured: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Number of Puffs Per Stick
Total number of puffs taken per tobacco stick during each ad-libitum smoking bout, recorded using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Measured: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Mean Inter-Puff Interval
Mean time (seconds) between the end of one puff and the start of the next, recorded continuously during ad-libitum use of each device using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Measured: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Mean Puff Flow Rate
Mean peak puff flow rate (mL/s) recorded continuously during ad-libitum use of each device using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Measured: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Urge to Use IQOS - Factor 1: desire/intention
Urge to use IQOS assessed using a 10-item adaptation of the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief), rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree). Higher scores indicate greater urge to use IQOS. Total score and subscale scores (Factor 1: desire/intention; Factor 2: negative reinforcement) will be reported.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Urge to Use IQOS - Factor 2: negative reinforcement
Urge to use IQOS assessed using a 10-item adaptation of the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief), rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree). Higher scores indicate greater urge to use IQOS. Total score and subscale scores (Factor 1: desire/intention; Factor 2: negative reinforcement) will be reported.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - satisfaction
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - taste
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - throat/chest sensations
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - calm
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - awake
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - irritable
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - concentration
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - hungry
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - dizziness
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - nausea
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - craving relief
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - enjoyment
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Measured: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Jul 2026
- Study start27 Jul 2026
- Primary completion1 Oct 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Nicotine DependenceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Two-visit randomized crossover design. Within each visit, participants complete two ad-libitum smoking bouts corresponding to the two device generations (IQOS Iluma i with TEREA and IQOS 2.4 with HEETS). Visit order (preferred flavor vs. Amber flavor) is randomized using block randomization; device order within each visit is randomized using a Williams design.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- American University of Beirut Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Soha Talih, Principal investigator, American University of Beirut Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07712887
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BIO-2026-0012
- Other IDs
- AUB
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared. Data are stored on password-protected institutional computers at the American University of Beirut and are accessible only to authorized study personnel. Data may be made available to qualified researchers upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Puff Topography and Sensory Effects Across IQOS Device Generations: A Randomized Crossover Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07712887
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BIO-2026-0012
- Conditions
- Nicotine Dependence, Tobacco Use
- Keywords
- Heated Tobacco Products, IQOS, Puff Topography, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Nicotine, Subjective Effects, Tobacco Harm Reduction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- American University of Beirut Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 27 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Oct 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn how people use two generations of IQOS heated tobacco devices and how each device affects their smoking behavior and sensory experience.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Do participants puff differently when using the newer IQOS Iluma i compared to the older IQOS 2.4?
- Does the flavor of the tobacco stick (preferred flavor vs. standard tobacco flavor) affect puffing behavior or sensory experience?
- What are the differences in throat hit, mouthfeel, and satisfaction between the two devices?
Participants will:
- Attend 2 laboratory visits at the American University of Beirut
- Use both the IQOS Iluma i and IQOS 2.4 devices during each visit
- Have their puffing behavior recorded automatically during device use
- Provide a breath sample before and after each use session
- Complete short questionnaires about how each device felt and their urge to smoke
Detailed description
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) such as IQOS have evolved across generations, with newer models using induction-based heating rather than a ceramic blade. Nicotine yields have declined across generations, raising the possibility that sensory characteristics have been modified to maintain product appeal. Current emissions assessments rely on standardized machine-puffing regimens derived from cigarette testing, which may not reflect real-world IQOS user behavior. This study will characterize puff topography (volume, duration, flow rate, inter-puff interval, number of puffs) in 50 exclusive IQOS users during ad-libitum use of the IQOS Iluma i and IQOS 2.4 under preferred and standardized (Amber) flavor conditions. A randomized crossover design with two visits will be used, with device order within each visit randomized using a Williams design. Secondary outcomes include chemosensory ratings (mouthfeel, ease of draw, throat hit), and subjective effects (satisfaction, pleasantness, taste, urges). Data will inform device-specific puffing regimens for use in future emissions assessments.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two-visit randomized crossover design. Within each visit, participants complete two ad-libitum smoking bouts corresponding to the two device generations (IQOS Iluma i with TEREA and IQOS 2.4 with HEETS). Visit order (preferred flavor vs. Amber flavor) is randomized using block randomization; device order within each visit is randomized using a Williams design.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| IQOS Iluma i (Induction Heating) | Experimental | Device: IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco SticksParticipants use the IQOS Iluma i device with TEREA tobacco sticks under two flavor conditions (preferred flavor and standardized Amber flavor) across study visits. The IQOS Iluma i uses induction-based heating technology. |
| IQOS 2.4 (Blade Heating) | Active comparator | Device: IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco SticksParticipants use the IQOS 2.4 device with HEETS tobacco sticks under two flavor conditions (preferred flavor and standardized Amber flavor) across study visits. The IQOS 2.4 uses ceramic blade heating technology. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Current IQOS user (at least 3 days per week in the past 30 days)
- Age 18 to 65 years
- Generally healthy
- Willing to provide informed written consent
- Willing to attend all laboratory visits
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Use of any tobacco products other than IQOS in the past 30 days
- Chronic cardiovascular conditions, seizures, or abnormal blood pressure
- Current psychiatric disorder requiring active treatment, including major depressive disorder
- Regular use of prescription medications that may influence cardiovascular function, respiratory function, or nicotine metabolism (excluding vitamins or birth control)
- Use of cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, or methamphetamines in the past month
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco SticksThe IQOS Iluma i is an induction-heated tobacco device used with TEREA STICKS. Participants use the device ad libitum during two smoking bouts (preferred flavor and Amber flavor conditions) across two study visits. Puff topography is recorded continuously during use. | Device | IQOS Iluma i (Induction Heating) |
| IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco SticksThe IQOS 2.4 is a ceramic blade-heated tobacco device used with HEETS tobacco sticks. Participants use the device ad libitum during two smoking bouts (preferred flavor and Amber flavor conditions) across two study visits. Puff topography is recorded continuously during use. | Device | IQOS 2.4 (Blade Heating) |
Primary outcome
Chemosensory Effects - Mouthful
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Chemosensory Effects: Three sensory feedback items assessed after each smoking bout: (1) Mouthful - amount of aerosol filling the mouth, rated on a 1-5 visual analog scale (1 = barely any smoke to 5 = a lot of smoke); higher scores indicate greater mouthful sensation.
Chemosensory Effects - Ease of draw
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Chemosensory Effects: Three sensory feedback items assessed after each smoking bout: (2) Ease of draw - effort required to draw a puff, rated on a 1-5 visual analog scale (1 = easy to 5 = hard); higher scores indicate greater effort required.
Chemosensory Effects - Throat hit
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Chemosensory Effects: Three sensory feedback items assessed after each smoking bout: (3) Throat hit - intensity of throat sensation, rated on a 0-100 General Labeled Magnitude Scale (0 = barely detectable to 100 = strongest imaginable); higher scores indicate greater throat hit intensity.
Mean Puff Duration
Time frame: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Mean duration (seconds) of each puff recorded continuously during ad-libitum use of each device using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Number of Puffs Per Stick
Time frame: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Total number of puffs taken per tobacco stick during each ad-libitum smoking bout, recorded using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Mean Inter-Puff Interval
Time frame: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Mean time (seconds) between the end of one puff and the start of the next, recorded continuously during ad-libitum use of each device using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Mean Puff Flow Rate
Time frame: Continuously during each ad-libitum smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Mean peak puff flow rate (mL/s) recorded continuously during ad-libitum use of each device using the eTOP puff topography instrument.
Urge to Use IQOS - Factor 1: desire/intention
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Urge to use IQOS assessed using a 10-item adaptation of the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief), rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree). Higher scores indicate greater urge to use IQOS. Total score and subscale scores (Factor 1: desire/intention; Factor 2: negative reinforcement) will be reported.
Urge to Use IQOS - Factor 2: negative reinforcement
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
Urge to use IQOS assessed using a 10-item adaptation of the Questionnaire on Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-Brief), rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 7 = Strongly Agree). Higher scores indicate greater urge to use IQOS. Total score and subscale scores (Factor 1: desire/intention; Factor 2: negative reinforcement) will be reported.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - satisfaction
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - taste
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - throat/chest sensations
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - calm
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - awake
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - irritable
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - concentration
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - hungry
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - dizziness
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - nausea
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - craving relief
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Subjective Effects of IQOS Use - enjoyment
Time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)
12-item questionnaire assessing subjective effects of IQOS use, rated on a 7-point scale (1 = Not at all to 7 = Extremely). Higher scores indicate greater intensity of the effect. Items assess: satisfaction, taste, throat/chest sensations, calming, alertness, irritability relief, concentration, hunger suppression, dizziness, nausea, craving relief, and enjoyment. Each item is reported individually. The questionnaire is a modified version of the Subjective Effects Questionnaire (SEQ), adapted for IQOS.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared. Data are stored on password-protected institutional computers at the American University of Beirut and are accessible only to authorized study personnel. Data may be made available to qualified researchers upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Soha Talih principal investigator
American University of Beirut Medical Center
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing IQOS Iluma i with TEREA Tobacco Sticks and IQOS 2.4 with HEETS Tobacco Sticks in people with Nicotine Dependence and Tobacco Use, run by American University of Beirut Medical Center at 2 sites in Lebanon.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Lebanon. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Soha Talih, PhD (+961-1-350000 ext. 3627, st38@aub.edu.lb), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Chemosensory Effects - Mouthful (time frame: Immediately after each smoking bout, at Visit 1 (Day 1) and Visit 2 (Visit 2 scheduled at least 48 hours after Visit 1)). The study lists 21 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Jul 2026.