Using knowledge of how smokers metabolise nicotine, ESR is currently working in collaboration with the NZ Quitline to try and develop more personalised methods for smoking cessation.
We hypothesise that because individuals metabolise nicotine at different rates many people might not be receiving the correct dosage of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
This dosage mismatch will mean that the person will either be receiving too much nicotine (over dosed) or too little nicotine (under dosed) from patches.
As a consequence many people might experience either severe withdrawal symptoms (eg. cravings, irritability) or unpleasant side effects (eg. nausea, insomnia).
By scientifically assessing nicotine intake and metabolism we hope to be able to develop efficient tests to make sure people receive the NRT that is best for them.