2026 Vaping Clinical Trials, Research & Treatment

What is it? Conditions Research Further Clinical Trials Conclusion

What is Vaping?

Vaping refers to inhaling and exhaling aerosolized particles from an e-cigarette. An e-cigarette is an electronic device filled with a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized when the device is used.

Vaping was initially hailed as an important innovation. It was believed smokers could use e-cigarettes as an alternative to tobacco. This would reduce exposure to nicotine, tar, and other hazardous substances.

What’s more, many smokers considered vaping soothing, giving them “something to do with their hands” and a way to react in stressful situations where they would usually smoke. Some people succeeded in using vaping as a stepping stone to quit smoking.

With that said, the long term effects of vaping have not been fully studied. While many individuals view vaping as a step in the right direction to eliminate smoking, more research needs to be compiled on the effects it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

What Conditions is Vaping Associated With?

The unique condition associated with vaping is referred by the new medical acronym EVALI.

It stands for E-Cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury.

As of October 22, 2019, 34 known deaths were associated with EVALI. The median age of victims was 45 and 59% of them were men.

In total, nearly 2,300 cases of EVALI were reported to the CDC by November 20, 2019. All 50 states have been affected except Alaska.

Samples of lung tissue taken from victims have tested positive for high amounts of vitamin E acetate, a toxin in some vaping products. Vitamin E acetate is believed to be safe when used in nutritional supplements or skincare products, but not when ingested.

Lung damage caused by EVALI can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia. Damage to the lungs makes it difficult for the body to take in oxygen and distribute it throughout the body.

EVALI is distinct from, but related to, bronchiolitis obliterans – also known as popcorn lung. This is an inflammatory condition that affects the tiniest airways within the lungs. Inflammation can lead to scarring that blocks airways, causing coughing and shortness of breath.

What Research Currently Exists Around Vaping?

The association between vaping and EVALI is already an established scientific fact. However, it is not yet clear exactly what risk factors contribute to the development of EVALI.

Current research focuses on finding a definitive answer for what chemicals or other factors may be responsible for EVALI. This will help the medical community understand why some e-cigarette enthusiasts are affected and others are not, paving the way for effective treatment.

Why Are Further Vaping Clinical Trials Important?

Vaping clinical trials will be essential to the long-term health and quality of life of those affected by EVALI or popcorn lung. Evidence of disease has been found in teens as well as elderly adults.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment capable of reversing the lung damage caused by EVALI. As with other pervasive lung disorders, such as COPD, therapies are likely to focus on preserving healthy lung function.

Current Vaping Clinical Trials

This is the current list of active vaping clinical trials on record with ClinicalTrials.gov.

Patients are advised to watch this space carefully, since new clinical resources for vaping health are being developed rapidly.

A Digital Intervention (ACT on Vaping App) for Vaping Cessation in Young Adult E-Cigarette Users
on June 22, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Nicotine Dependence; Tobacco-Related Carcinoma Interventions: Behavioral: Smartphone app; Behavioral: Smartphone app; Other: Text Message; Other: Text Message; Other: Survey Administration Sponsors: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Recruiting
The Impact of Chronic E-Cigarette Usage on Microvascular Health
on June 17, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: E-Cig Use Interventions: Other: E-cig use Sponsors: Virginia Commonwealth University Recruiting
Effects of Novel E-cigarette Constituents on Adults TCORS 3.0
on June 16, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Nicotine Use Disorder Interventions: Other: E-liquid coolant (No WS-3) for non-menthol (1); Other: E-liquid coolant (No WS-3) for low (0.1%) menthol (1); Other: E-liquid coolant (No WS-3) for high (2.0%) menthol (1); Other: E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-3) for non-menthol (2); Other: E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-3) for low (0.1%) menthol (2); Other: E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-3) for high (2.0%) menthol (2); Other: E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-3) for non-menthol (3); Other: E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-3) for low (0.1%) menthol (3); Other: E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-3) for high (2.0%) menthol (3); Other: E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-23) for non-menthol (4); Other: E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-23) for low (0.1%) menthol (4); Other: E-liquid coolant (Low [0.1%] WS-23) for high (2.0%) menthol (4); Other: E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-23) for non-menthol (5); Other: E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-23) for low (0.1%) menthol (5); Other: E-liquid coolant (High [2.0%] WS-23) for high (2.0%) menthol (5); Other: E-liquid coolant (4% WS-23) for non-menthol (6); Other: E-liquid coolant (4% WS-23) for low (0.1%) menthol (6); Other: E-liquid coolant (4% WS-23) for high (2.0%) menthol (6) Sponsors: Yale University; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Recruiting
Young Adult Tobacco/Nicotine and Cannabis Co-use
on June 12, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Tobacco Use Disorder; Nicotine Dependence Interventions: Behavioral: Counseling; Behavioral: Contingency management; Behavioral: Text-based support Sponsors: Medical University of South Carolina; National Cancer Institute (NCI) Recruiting
E-cigarette Cessation in Adults Who Co-use Cannabis
on June 12, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Nicotine Dependence; Tobacco Use Disorder Interventions: Drug: Varenicline Pill; Behavioral: Contingency management; Behavioral: Counseling Sponsors: Medical University of South Carolina; National Cancer Institute (NCI) Recruiting
Social Media Support Groups for Adolescent Vaping Cessation
on June 8, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Vaping; Vaping Cessation; Nicotine Dependence Interventions: Behavioral: Social Media Intervention Sponsors: University of California, San Francisco; National Cancer Institute (NCI); Rescue Agency; HopeLab Foundation Recruiting
Developing and Testing Health Warning Labels on the ENDS Device
on June 5, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Electronic Cigarette Use Interventions: Other: Preferred ENDS; Other: Preferred ENDS with HWL Sponsors: Florida International University; University of Miami Recruiting
The Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Grounded ENDS Intervention for Rural Hawaiian Youth
on June 5, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: E-cigarette Use; Substance Use Interventions: Behavioral: ENDS Prevention Intervention (TBD) Sponsors: University of Hawaii; University of California, Riverside Recruiting
Screening, Evaluation and Assessment (SEA) Protocol at the NIDA IRP
on June 3, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Substance Use Disorder; Alcohol Use Disorder Sponsors: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Recruiting
Reduce Tobacco Use in People Living With HIV in Switzerland
on June 2, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: HIV; Smoking Interventions: Other: tobacco smoking substitution products Sponsors: University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland; Swiss National Science Foundation; Novartis Foundation for Medical-Biological Research Recruiting
Parents Helping Parents for Youth Vaping Cessation
on May 26, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Implementation Science; Engagement, Patient; E Cigarette Use; Peer Support; Vaping Teens; Vaping Cessation; Parent Support Interventions: Behavioral: Parents Helping Parents program Sponsors: University of Nebraska; Massachusetts General Hospital; National Cancer Institute (NCI) Recruiting
Pilot Study of Communication for Dual Users of Cigarettes and E-cigarettes
on May 20, 2026 at 4:00 am
Conditions: Tobacco Products; Cigarettes; Electronic Cigarettes Interventions: Other: communication Sponsors: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; National Cancer Institute (NCI) Recruiting

Conclusion

It is not yet known whether EVALI represents a widespread health risk that could affect millions of users or is isolated to certain products or practices. Whatever the case, thousands of people face severe health effects right now.

Today’s vaping clinical trials will be essential to the health of former and future e-cigarette users. Being aware of the potential risks of vaping – and making family and friends aware of those risks – is advisable as more information becomes available.