CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Conflict of interest in research on novel tobacco and nicotine products
1
Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
2
Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
3
School of Public Health, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine. University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
4
Care and Public Health Research Institute, Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
5
Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A64
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
Conflicts of interest (COI) are a major concern in research on novel tobacco and nicotine products (NTNPs). These products—such as heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and nicotine pouches—are promoted under a “harm reduction” narrative. This study is the first to comprehensively assess COI across all NTNP types, including indirect links through industry-affiliated entities.
METHODS:
We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE for NTNP-related publications with English abstracts published from June to December 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42020137394). For each eligible article, tobacco and nicotine industry-related COI was identified based on authors’ affiliations, acknowledgements, funding, and COI statement. Two blinded reviewers classified abstracts as pro-, neutral, or against NTNPs. COIs were identified from author affiliations, funding, acknowledgements, and COI statements.
RESULTS:
Of 867 eligible articles, 6.6% had COI, with over half failing to disclose it in COI statements. Pro NTNP articles accounted for 12.3% overall (107/867), 8.6% among publications without a COI (70/810), and 64.9% among those with a COI (37/57). Articles against NTNPs were 66.4% overall (576/867), 70.3% among publications without a COI (569/810) and 12.3% among those with a COI (7/57). Compared with articles without a COI, the multivariable odds ratio of being pro NTNPs was 19.6 (95% confidence interval: 9.65-39.6) for publications with a COI. Similar patterns were observed for both direct and indirect COIs.
CONCLUSIONS:
Industry-linked research overwhelmingly promotes NTNPs, while independent studies largely oppose them. These findings underscore the need for stricter journal policies to prevent undisclosed or indirect COI and to safeguard the integrity of tobacco and nicotine research.
Conflicts of interest (COI) are a major concern in research on novel tobacco and nicotine products (NTNPs). These products—such as heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and nicotine pouches—are promoted under a “harm reduction” narrative. This study is the first to comprehensively assess COI across all NTNP types, including indirect links through industry-affiliated entities.
METHODS:
We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE for NTNP-related publications with English abstracts published from June to December 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42020137394). For each eligible article, tobacco and nicotine industry-related COI was identified based on authors’ affiliations, acknowledgements, funding, and COI statement. Two blinded reviewers classified abstracts as pro-, neutral, or against NTNPs. COIs were identified from author affiliations, funding, acknowledgements, and COI statements.
RESULTS:
Of 867 eligible articles, 6.6% had COI, with over half failing to disclose it in COI statements. Pro NTNP articles accounted for 12.3% overall (107/867), 8.6% among publications without a COI (70/810), and 64.9% among those with a COI (37/57). Articles against NTNPs were 66.4% overall (576/867), 70.3% among publications without a COI (569/810) and 12.3% among those with a COI (7/57). Compared with articles without a COI, the multivariable odds ratio of being pro NTNPs was 19.6 (95% confidence interval: 9.65-39.6) for publications with a COI. Similar patterns were observed for both direct and indirect COIs.
CONCLUSIONS:
Industry-linked research overwhelmingly promotes NTNPs, while independent studies largely oppose them. These findings underscore the need for stricter journal policies to prevent undisclosed or indirect COI and to safeguard the integrity of tobacco and nicotine research.
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
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