The MAGNIFICAT project is going to be a novelty in the field of the scientific research applied to tobacco harm reduction strategies. It aims to investigate the effects of the combined use of conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes on human health
The MAGNIFICAT project is a novelty for the research center of Catania, the CoEHAR. Its aim is to investigate whether different dual use patterns offer equivalent harm reduction potential.
The MAGNIFICAT study, strongly advocated by Prof. Riccardo Polosa, will evaluate the effects of the combined use of conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes on human health, quantifying this impact by collecting samples, researching and describing the core of different levels of dual use on exposure to toxic substances and harm reduction, and using specific biomarkers, clinical endpoints, and behavioral correlations.
Within duration of research phase, every participant will be asked to keep their habits (control group) or also engage into them provided EC with dedicated pods (research group). During this cohort study period, they will be asked to fill in dedicated mobile app, as an e-diary, to monitor quantity of used products (CC and/or EC), as well as walk through number of tests, within 4 visits to the laboratory (CRO). During these tests CoEHAR and partners will examine and quantify results of over 20 biomarkers and harm indicators, which are showing or revealing risks of potential harm to the human body, connected with smoking.
In February, researchers hosted a workshop in Warsaw, Poland, to bring together all partners involved in in-depth discussions and hands-on exercises focusing on the operational aspects crucial to the project’s success.
The workshop brought together esteemed representatives from ABF GmbH in Germany, CoEHAR, and ECLAT, in the headquarters of the Clinical Research Organization – MTZ Pratia.
Participants delved into the nuances of medical procedures, including the preparation of samples and the collection of exhaled breath condensate using specialized tubes filled with sorbent. These exercises are fundamental to the project’s execution, ensuring every member is adept at the processes involved.
