The mission of ABC15's Health Insider series is to dive deeper into the things impacting your health and the health of those around you. We're going in-depth with expert advice from people who know it, see it every day in their work and study it. Have a story idea? Contact the team at HealthInsider@abc15.com.
We know smoking is bad for your health but research shows it also greatly increases your risk of complications from COVID-19.
A new study in Phoenix is trying to help people quit smoking and is looking for participants.
Dr. Scott J. Leischow, Professor and the Director of Clinical and Translational Science at Arizona State University, cautions that smoking increases the risk of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease, but also escalates the risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. It can also worsen outcomes for those who become infected.
The American Cancer Society recently issued its state-by-state report card when it comes to smoking, education, and efforts to help people kick the habit. Arizona got a "D" when it comes to providing smoking cessation resources. Dr. Leischow is working to change that as he recognizes there hasn't been a new medication to help people stop smoking in over 10 years.
He's conducting a clinical trial called ORCA-2 and is now enrolling patients at Arizona State University. They're testing the efficacy and safety of Cytisinicline as a smoking cessation therapy. What makes it unique is Cytisinicline is a natural substance found in plants.
Scientists are looking for adults who smoke cigarettes daily, intend to quit smoking, are willing to set a quit date that is within 5-7 days of the start of treatment, and have failed at least one previous attempt to stop smoking with or without therapeutic support.
ORCA-2 is a 24-week study on the ASU campus and patients will have continued follow-ups. You could be compensated up to $1,950. Patients will be accepted for the next few months. To see if you qualify, call: 775-476-2360.