Duke University Medical Centre researchers have unveiled a novel technology that may grant smokers an innovative method to kick the habit.

In contrast to the nicotine vapour delivery system used in the Nicotrol/Nicorette inhaler, the researchers have revealed that the new lung delivery technology causes rapid absorption of nicotine that provides immediate relief of withdrawal symptoms and also re-creates some of the familiar sensations that are pleasurable to smokers.

Jed Rose, Ph.D., director of the Duke Centre for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research where the technology is being developed quoted, “We wanted to replicate the experience of smoking without incurring the dangers associated with cigarettes, and we wanted to do so more effectively than the nicotine replacement therapies currently on the market.”

Users also reported the nicotine delivery method was more tolerable in comparison to the current inhaler as it resulted in less throat irritation.

The Nicotrol inhaler is a smoking cessation therapy that delivers nicotine vapour to the mouth and upper airways, but little of it reaches the lungs.