A comprehensive review conducted by Cochrane, a globally recognized network of health researchers, has delivered compelling evidence in favor of using electronic cigarettes with nicotine to help adult smokers stop smoking traditional cigarettes.

The systematic review, titled "Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation," analyzed data from a substantial body of research. The study encompassed 104 different studies involving a total of 30,366 adult smokers, with the majority of the data coming from the United States (48 studies) and the United Kingdom (21 studies).

The researchers compared the efficacy of nicotine e-cigarettes against several other methods, including traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), non-nicotine e-cigarettes and behavioral support. Their findings indicate that these devices are more effective than NRT such as patches and gum, at helping smokers stop smoking for at least six months.

E-cigarettes, like nicotine pouches and heat not burn products, are tools for tobacco harm reduction, a pragmatic public health approach that aims to address the health risks associated with smoking. The Cochrane review adds significant weight to the debate surrounding the regulation of vapor products globally, and in the Philippines where vaping is increasingly becoming popular.

The results highlight a clear advantage for the nicotine-containing e-cigarettes with the data suggesting that for every 100 people who utilize nicotine e-cigarettes as a tool to quit smoking, between eight and 11 are likely to successfully stop for at least half a year.

This success rate exceeds that of traditional NRT, where approximately six out of 100 people achieve the same result. The review also suggests that nicotine e-cigarettes are also likely to be superior to their non-nicotine counterparts, which showed a comparable quit rate of six out of 100 people.

The research, led by Nicola Lindson of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, concluded with high confidence. The study says there is "high-certainty evidence that nicotine EC increase quit rates compared to NRT."

The researchers also found "moderate-certainty evidence that they probably increase quit rates compared to EC without nicotine," strengthening the case for nicotine delivery as a critical component in the effectiveness of these devices.

The findings support the existence of the Vape Law (Republic Act No. 11900) in the Philippines. The Vape Law provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for these products, including a strict prohibition on sales to individuals under 18 years old.

The results of the Cochrane study demonstrate the effectiveness of nicotine e-cigarettes as a cessation aid, proving that these are a less harmful alternative compared to traditional cigarettes.

The Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines (NCUP) cited numerous international studies showing that vapes to be 95 percent less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes because they do not burn tobacco. Such scientific studies claim that it is the smoke, and not nicotine, which is responsible for diseases and death linked to tobacco.

E-cigarettes function by heating a liquid, typically containing nicotine and flavorings, to produce an inhalable vapor, avoiding the high levels of disease-causing chemicals present in smoke.

Vaper Ako, a consumer advocacy group, said less harmful alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products have helped many Filipinos move away from the health harms of cigarettes. “Adult smokers deserve access to accurate information and less harmful alternatives,” the group said.

Dr. David Nutt of Imperial College London said there is no real scientific doubt that less harmful alternatives such as e-cigarettes are much safer than smoking and can help smokers quit.

"Smoking causes a massive burden of death and disease worldwide, killing about 8 million people annually. We now have vaping and other less harmful alternatives to cigarettes that can dramatically cut the risks for people who cannot or do not want to quit using nicotine,” he said.

Dr. Nutt is among more than 40 independent experts in medicine, pharmacology, psychology and public health who have recently issued a joint statement calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to follow scientific evidence and prioritize harm reduction in its global tobacco control policy.