On a regular basis, the TTURC and the University's Tobacco Use Research Center conduct clinical research trials, with people whom smoke and chew tobacco. Most studies are done at The Tobacco Use Research Center, located in Minneapolis at 2701 University Ave. SE. The parking is free and the center is on the number 16 bus line.

If you are interested in participating in a research study, please review the following studies we are presently conducting. If a study is actively recruiting and you fulfill the study's requirements, you will be asked to join immediately. Contact information is listed with each study.

TTURC Study: Bupropion + Placebo Or Bupropion + Naltrexone For Smoking Cessation

The University of Minnesota's Tobacco Use Research Center is seeking regular smokers in good health for a research study evaluating an investigational medication that is used with Zyban.

For more information, please call 612-627-4900.

TTURC Study: Comparing the Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco, Cigarette Smoking, and New Tobacco Products Advertised as Safer Alternative

We are looking for regular smokers or smokeless tobacco users to participate in a 19 week study comparing the effect of new oral tobacco products compared to nicotine gum or lozenge. For the first two weeks of the study, you will be asked to continue smoking your own brand of cigarette. After this 2 week baseline period, you will be randomly assigned to either use a nicotine replacement OR use a new oral tobacco product that may help you quit smoking. The first week of using the product you will be able to use it as a substitution for some cigarettes to get used to the product. After one week you will quit smoking and use your assigned study product only for 4 weeks, after which you will be required to be abstinent of any form of tobacco or nicotine product. There will be a follow up visit at 2 weeks and 3 months after the study ends.

At each clinic visit you will complete several questionnaires asking about withdrawal symptoms, smoking satisfaction, mood, health and medication use. On some visits, we will ask you to bring in a urine sample and we will collect a blood sample. These samples will be analyzed for tobacco related toxins. You will receive up to $250 for your time spent participating if you comply with all of the study requirements.

For more information, contact the Tobacco Use Research Center at 612-627-4900.

TTURC Study: Nicotine agonist treatment to reduce tobacco toxin exposure

We are looking for participants for a study examining the effect of high- dose nicotine replacement on your smoking. In addition, we are examining the safety of using high-dose nicotine patches. The dose of nicotine patch will be three times the dose currently used in over-the-counter nicotine patches. Recent studies have shown that the dose currently used in over the counter nicotine patches is not high enough to help withdrawal symptoms with heavier smokers. If you are interested in this study, you will attend an orientation where you will learn more about the study. You will sign a consent form and be asked to attend 12 clinic visits over a 14 week period.

If you decide to participate you will first have a physical exam to determine if you are eligible. If you are eligible, you will continue to smoke for two weeks of baseline measures. You will be given the high dose patch for the following two weeks and we will observe your smoking. If you reduce your smoking during this time, you will continue on the patches for another 4 weeks and then quit smoking. If you do not reduce your smoking, you will be randomly assigned to use a nicotine-free cigarette or another oral substitute to help your reduce your smoking by 75%. You will use this produce for four weeks and then quit smoking. You will attend weekly clinic visits for 8 weeks while you cut back and every other week for the last 6 weeks during the quitting smoking phase. We will provide you with supportive behavioral counseling to assist you with your nicotine reduction or abstinence.

You will receive $10 per visit and $100 bonus for completing the study for a total of $200 if you comply with all of the study requirements.

For more information, contact Louise at 612-627-6806.

TTURC Study: Treatment of smokeless tobacco users

We are looking for participants in a research study that looks at the health effects of controlling your tobacco use. In this study we will he help you address your tobacco use by providing behavioral counseling.

If you participate, you will attend 7 visits over the next 12 months. If you set a quit date, we will provide telephone counseling at 1 and 3 weeks after your quit date. At each 30-60 minute clinic visit you will have your blood pressure, pulse and weight taken, you will complete several questionnaires and provide a saliva sample.

You will be paid $25 per visit for your participation and a bonus for completing the study.

For more information, contact David at 612-627-1808.