Introduction: A new nicotine film that releases nicotine quickly may lead to faster craving relief.

Aims: This study compares the efficacy of 2.5 mg nicotine film with 2 mg nicotine lozenge and 2 mg nicotine gum on relieving provoked craving in low dependence smokers.

Methods: A randomised, open-label, active comparators controlled study was conducted in 120 subjects. Subjects were abstinent from smoking for 4 hours prior to being provoked with smoking cues. After post-provocation craving assessment, subjects were administered one dose of the 3 treatments: nicotine film, lozenge, or gum. Craving intensity was then assessed at 50 seconds, 3, 5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes after administration.

Results/Findings: Three treatments reduced craving with similar maximum effects. The effect was maintained up to 30 minutes. Nicotine film significantly reduced more craving than lozenge at 50 seconds, 3 and 5 minutes. It also significantly reduced more craving than gum at 50 seconds and 3 minutes. There was no significant difference between lozenge and gum.

Conclusions: Nicotine film, lozenge and gum have similar maximum craving relief. Nicotine film significantly reduced more craving than lozenge and gum at early time points. Nicotine film may be particularly useful to provide acute craving relief.