Neal L. Benowitz, M.D.

Human pharmacology of nicotine; emphasis on human addiction

I am interested in the human pharmacology of nicotine, that of nicotine addiction in particular. My recent and current research includes investigations of nicotine’s role
in controlling cigarette smoking and the use of other forms of tobacco; individual variability in psychological and neuroendocrine responses to nicotine (taking into account gender, ethnicity, age, and genetic factors); the genetics and physiologic pathways of nicotine metabolism, and the pharmacologic activity of nicotine metabolites; innovative therapy approaches to smoking cessation; and interactions between nicotine and illicit stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.