Vaping beats patches and gum

26.8.2026 – An updated Cochrane-review of 80 randomised trials covering almost 30,000 smokers has found that nicotine vaping helps more smokers quit than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as gums or patches. Cochrane rates the finding “high certainty” (the top grade it issues, and one it awards rarely).

It was published two weeks after the European Commission closed its public consultation on the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The Commission’s proposal is expected to be published later this year and to push for flavour bans and stricter regulation of less harmful nicotine products.

Michael Landl, directeur van de World Vapers' Alliance, zei:

“By now, it should be clear that vaping works as a smoking cessation tool. Yet the EU Commission remains in denial and refuses to acknowledge the scientific reality. It is time to fully endorse vaping as a smoking cessation aid and stop the overregulation and bans. Vaping works, and smokers need access to smoke-free alternatives."

What the review found:

Roughly four more people in every hundred quit with nicotine vapes than with patches or gums. It found no evidence of increased serious harm, and it found that nicotine vapes work better than nicotine-free ones.

The World Vapers’ Alliance calls on the EU Commission to acknowledge these findings and base future regulation on them. Vaping belongs in every anti-smoking strategy and needs to be regulated according to risk. “Bans and overregulation don’t work. Without vaping, Europe will not achieve its smoke-free target. The science is there, now the Commission must start listening,” Landl voegde toe.