Researchers at the Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR) at the University of Catania have found that electronic cigarettes are more effective for smoking cessation than traditional nicotine replacement therapies. The findings stem from a evidence review conducted under the center’s “In Silico” project.
Lead author Renée O’Leary noted that the findings support integrating harm reduction into global public health strategies, but pointed out critical limitations in existing cessation models.
“The review highlights a critical gap in existing cessation strategies, with long-term success rates for electronic cigarettes still modest at 10% to 12%, and relapse data not yet sufficiently studied,” O’Leary stated. “New treatments and innovative approaches are needed.” She added that transparent, balanced research is required to build public trust and guide policy decisions.
Co-author and CoEHAR founder Riccardo Polosa stressed that the review provides solid evidence supporting modified-risk products while highlighting areas that require immediate medical attention.
“This study provides solid evidence supporting the potential of modified-risk devices as an effective tool for quitting smoking, but it also calls attention to the need for higher-performing clinical guidelines and further analysis of long-term outcomes,” Polosa said.
As debates over vaping continue to divide public health authorities, CoEHAR researchers maintain that e-cigarettes remain a practical component of broader tobacco control strategies.
