Dr. Lisa Sanderson Cox, associate professor in the department of preventive medicine and public health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, received funding for a new clinical trial, “Advancing Treatment for African American Smokers” (1R01DA035796-01A1).

This randomized, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the efficacy of varenicline for smoking cessation among African American daily smokers of all smoking levels.  African American smokers have the highest rates of tobacco-related disease, despite the fact that African American smokers smoke fewer cigarettes per day compared to White smokers. This study will be able to examine differences between light, moderate, and heavy smokers with the goal of improving treatment to reduce tobacco-related disease. The project is the fourth of the Kick It at Swope (KIS) studies, a collaboration between the University of Kansas Medical Center and Swope Health Central in Kansas City, Missouri, promoting treatment for African American smokers.

Dr. Cox has been working in tobacco use treatment for 16 years, with attention to health disparities and treatment of underserved populations.