Smoking cessation study at Penn open to volunteers

(Philadelphia, PA) – Researchers at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania are looking for volunteers to compare the effectiveness of two leading, FDA-approved smoking cessation medications in combination with different types of counseling. The study – led by clinical social worker Peter Gariti, PhD – is the world's first head-to-head trial of the two medications for light smokers. A previous study evaluated only heavy smokers.

Volunteers should be 18 years of age or older, in good health, smoke less than one pack a day and be motivated to stop smoking. Participants will be provided with nine weeks of medication plus up to 10 weeks of individual counseling. With time allowed for follow up, study participation is expected to last for nearly one full year. Study participants will receive the medication free of charge.

Researchers hope to recruit more than 260 participants for the study, which will remain open to volunteers for three and one-half years. Completion of the study is expected to take up to five years. The study is entirely supported through a funding grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Anyone interested should call 215-243-9959 for more information.

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