Characterization of SPECTRUM Variable Nicotine Research Cigarettes

Abstract

Objective To provide researchers an extensive characterization of the SPECTRUM variable nicotine research cigarettes. Methods Data on cigarette physical properties, nicotine content, harmful and potentially harmful constituents in the tobacco filler was compiled. Results Data on physical properties, concentrations of menthol, nicotine and minor alkaloids, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ammonia, and toxic metals in the filler tobacco for all available varieties of Spectrum research cigarettes are provided. The similarity in the chemistry and physical properties of SPECTRUM cigarettes to commercial cigarettes renders them acceptable for use in behavioral studies. Baseline information on harmful and potentially harmful constituents in research tobacco products, particularly constituent levels such as minor alkaloids that fall outside typical ranges reported for commercial, provide researchers with the opportunity to monitor smoking behavior and to identify biomarkers that will inform efforts to understand the role of nicotine in creating and sustaining addiction. Conclusions Well characterized research cigarettes suitable for human consumption are an important tool in clinical studies for investigating the physiological impacts of cigarettes delivering various levels of nicotine, the impact of reduced nicotine cigarettes on nicotine addiction, and the relationship between nicotine dose and smoking behavior.

Reduced nicotine content cigarettes in smokers of low socioeconomic status: study protocol for a randomized control trial

“…SPECTRUM Tobacco Product Master File Codes used for UNC group (non-menthol/menthol) are NRC600/NRC601 or NRC602 a These are averages of menthol/non-menthol cigarettes at each level based on estimated 0.7 g tobacco content per cigarette and nicotine concentrations based on Richter et al (2016) [54] b Approximate mean nicotine content and concentration of commercially available cigarettes based on Connolly et al (2007) [62]…”

Reducing the nicotine content of combusted tobacco products sold in New Zealand

“…Although some toxicants may change as a result of nicotine reduction (eg, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone), most harmful and potentially harmful constituents are similar to commercial or reference cigarettes,14 15 resulting in largely unchanged urinary biomarkers of toxicant exposure following short-term use (ie, when cigarettes per day remain relatively stable) 15–18. Longer studies that have resulted in fewer cigarettes per day have observed parallel decreases in urinary biomarkers of toxicant exposure,9 highlighting how reduction in harm is secondary to changes in behaviour 19…”

U.S. adults' addiction and harm beliefs about nicotine and low nicotine cigarettes

“…LNCs with a range of reduced nicotine levels have been marketed in the U.S. (e.g., Quest cigarettes (Strasser et al, 2007)), and often have been used in studies of smoking behavior and nicotine addiction (e.g., Spectrum cigarettes (Richter et al, 2016)). Smoking LNCs in the same manner and frequency as typical cigarettes results in the same exposure to harmful chemicals other than nicotine, and could lead to increased exposure to harmful chemicals if smokers modify smoking behavior to compensate for lower nicotine levels (Hatsukami et al, 2010; Strasser et al, 2007; O'Connor et al, 2007a).…”