BAT conducts first real-world study assessing the impact of Vuse on indicators for several smoking-related diseases

•  Results will provide a first-of-its kind dataset – adding to the substantial amounts of scientific evidence generated about Vuse, the number one global vaping brandⁱ
•  Unique cross-sectional approach will provide a snapshot of the differences in indicators of potential harm between Vuse consumers compared to smokers
•  Demonstrates BAT’s focus on science and innovation to deliver A Better Tomorrow™ and reduce the health impact of its business
   

BAT has conducted a first-of-its-kind study of Vuse designed to assess and provide insights into the real-world health impact of vaping. The study compares biomarker measures from Vuseⁱⁱ consumers who have been using the product for over six months with the results from smokers, former smokers and never smokers. Protocol details explaining the innovative design of the latest study were published in the Journal of Health and Environmental Researchⁱⁱⁱ .

The cross-sectional study design uses a single set of data readings to measure exposure to certain toxicants and indicators of potential harm related to several smoking-related diseases in people who have been exclusively using Vuse. 

The biomarkers selected are important indicators that can be used to demonstrate:

•  Biomarkers of Exposure: A person’s exposure to certain toxicants or chemicals^iv
•  Biomarkers of Potential Harm: Indicators of potential harm related to several smoking-related diseases, such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseaseⁱⁱⁱ
   

It is hoped that the results, which are currently being analysed and will be published later this year, will provide further supportive evidence that using Vuse can reduce relative risk for certain diseases among adult consumers compared to smoking.  It is expected that once available, the results will add to the growing body of evidence on Vuse’s potential as a Reduced-Risk Product*.

Dr Sharon Goodall, BAT’s Group Head of Regulatory Sciences, said: “This innovative study demonstrates our commitment to researching the reduced-risk potential of our New Category products. What makes it particularly relevant and exciting is that the results generated will be from people who have been using Vuse as they normally would for more than six months prior to testing. The results will provide important new insights and show us the differences between Vuse users, smokers and former smokers across a range of important biomarkers thought to be predictive of disease development. We look forward to sharing the data once available.”

About the study
Participants in the study were Vuseⁱⁱ users who had been exclusively using the product for over six months. Smoking or vapour usage patterns and overall consumption were not controlled in those entering the study, as the aim was to assess the impact when people using the products did so in their ‘normal’ way rather than in a controlled way. Four different groups were enrolled.

These comprised:

1. Current smokers who had been smoking for at least one year prior to screening
2. Vuse vapers (ePod and ePen) for at least six months
3. Former smokers who had quit for at least six months
4. Never smokers were included to act as a control group
    

Participants were based in the UK, aged between 19-55 years old, and in good general health. 

Unlike longitudinal studies where participants attend multiple clinic visits over an extended period of time, participants in this study made a single clinic visit where samples of blood, urine and other measurements were collected. These samples were then tested for “biomarkers of exposure” (to selected cigarette smoke toxicants) and “biomarkers of potential harm”.  Differences between the groups were assessed, rather than changes from baseline.

In addition, to ensure compliance, the Vuse and former smoker groups were tested for the biomarker, CEVal, which indicates if they have recently smoked cigarettes.

Results from the completed study will be published in due course.