Research Award Spotlight: Dr. Hassan Mir, CCS–Novo Nordisk Cardiometabolic Research Award Recipient

Dr. Mir is a cardiologist and scientist in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) and an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Mir has a strong interest in clinical research related to cardiovascular prevention, smoking/vaping cessation, and digital health. He completed his Master of Health Informatics at the University of Toronto and his Master of Public Health at Harvard University. He is leading several randomized controlled trials related to smoking and vaping cessation.

Throughout his career, Hassan has been recognized for his outstanding clinical, research and leadership skills at the local, national and international levels. His clinical practice includes inpatient and outpatient general cardiology, with a special interest in echocardiography and cardiovascular prevention. Dr. Mir serves as Chair of the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation, Chair of the technical committee developing national standards on smoking cessation, and as a member of the Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario Smoking Cessation Advisory Committee.

Read below to hear from Dr. Hassan on his award-winning research project, Semaglutide for Smoking Cessation in Patients with Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial:

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Q1. What attracted you to this area of research?

A: I am passionate about cardiovascular prevention, clinically, academically, and at a health policy level. Smoking remains the leading cause of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and lung disease. Cessation is among the most important prevention intervention in clinical practice.

Despite significant declines in tobacco use over the past few decades, rates of decline have plateaued. Even among those using the best available treatment options, only 30-40% are able to quit. Weight gain is commonly cited as a reason for relapse.

I see the consequences of persistent nicotine addiction every day. It is clear to me that we need novel, innovative approaches to increase rates of smoking cessation. As a cardiologist with a special interest in smoking cessation, I find the intersection of cardiometabolic and addiction pathways complex and fascinating. I was drawn to this area of research by the potential to significantly improve the quality and quantity of life for millions of Canadians who smoke and their loved ones.

Q2. How did this project get started?

A: The idea for the project emerged from a mix of clinical observations, preclinical science, and conversations with patients. I noted that those who smoke often struggle with weight management and other cardiovascular risk factors. Weight gain post cessation was often cited as a reason for relapses. It is well known that individuals living with diabetes who smoke are at far greater risk than those with one or the other.

Animal models and early human data have hinted that GLP-1 receptor agonists may modulate reward pathways related to nicotine dependence. These converging insights led to the idea of testing semaglutide in the context of smoking cessation. It felt timely and grounded in biological rationale, with the potential to improve rates of smoking cessation, glycemic control, and weight management.

Q3. What stage are you at in your research?

A: We are in the pilot phase where we will randomize 100 patients 1:1 to receive either semaglutide (diabetes dose) with combination nicotine replacement therapy (short and long acting) compared to combination nicotine replacement therapy alone. The protocol has been developed, we have received REB and Health Canada approval, and we will be initiating recruitment in January 2026.

We have completed initial feasibility assessments, optimized study procedures, and started enrollment. Early indicators suggest strong engagement and interest from participants, which is encouraging.

The pilot phase is designed to assess feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary signals of efficacy. This data will inform the design of a larger, fully powered RCT.

Q4. When do you expect this study to be completed?

A: We anticipate completing the pilot phase of the trial within the next 12–18 months, with preliminary results available shortly thereafter. Should these results support moving forward, we plan to launch a larger, definitive trial within the next 2 to 3 years. Our goal is to have tangible outcomes, both at the pilot and full trial levels, that can inform clinical practice and policy in the near future.

Q5. Can you walk us through what your project entails?

A: This project is an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the impact of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, on smoking cessation outcomes among patients living with diabetes.

All participants will receive a combination of nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural counselling with medication titration. This exceeds the standard of care in most Canadian settings. Those in the intervention arm will also receive semaglutide (diabetes dose).

The trial will measure feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy for smoking cessation (biochemically verified). It will also evaluate changes in craving intensity, withdrawal symptoms, weight trajectory, and cardiometabolic biomarkers.

The trial integrates remote and digital elements to improve accessibility and engagement, such as virtual visits and digital self-monitoring tools.

Q6. What knowledge gap will this fill?

A: Despite decades of research on smoking cessation, we lack fully effective, widely accessible treatments that address both addiction and metabolic changes often accompanying cessation.

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide have robust evidence in diabetes and obesity. Early translational research suggests they may also influence neural pathways related to reward and craving. Yet no randomized trial has rigorously tested this hypothesis in the context of semaglutide for smoking cessation.

Q7. What’s the value of this research?

A: Clinically, this research can identify a novel, multi-action therapeutic that helps people quit smoking while also improving cardiometabolic health. This would be a potential win-win for populations at high risk of chronic disease.

Public health-wise, it addresses persistent gaps in cessation success rates and broadens the toolbox available to clinicians and patients.

At a systems level, demonstrating effectiveness could shift practice guidelines and influence reimbursement policies.

Finally, the project embodies precision health: matching biological mechanisms with intervention targets to yield more effective, personalized care.

Q8. How will you measure the impact of your research?

A: Impact will be measured through traditional scientific metrics, such as quit rates, sustained abstinence, and metabolic outcomes, and broader translational indicators. These include publication in high-impact journals, conference presentations, citation and guideline uptake, policy influence, clinical adoption patterns, participant-reported outcomes related to well-being and health behaviour and knowledge translation metrics.

Most importantly, we will track real-world changes, including improvements in cessation support delivery, broader accessibility of evidence-based cessation options, and reductions in population smoking prevalence over time.

Q9. What does this fellowship award mean to you, personally?

A: Receiving the CCS Cardiometabolic Research Award is a tremendous honour and a validation of a line of inquiry that blends clinical insight with rigorous science. Personally, it affirms the value of pursuing bold, translational research that challenges traditional siloes that integrate metabolic biology with addiction science.

It also represents support from a community I deeply respect: clinicians and researchers dedicated to better cardiometabolic health. This award energizes me to continue pushing boundaries, mentoring trainees, and building collaborations that will ultimately improve patient lives.

I am immensely grateful for the support and mentorship that I have received from staff and colleagues at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and beyond. I am also sincerely thankful to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Beyond this fellowship, CCS has supported me in many ways throughout my career and served as a professional home for me.

Q10. Tell us about your research team.

A: I lead a multidisciplinary and deeply collaborative team that includes clinicians, clinical trialists, biostatisticians, behavioural and implementation scientists, and digital health experts.

We have more than 20 trainees, which include postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, medical students, and undergraduate students. They are integral contributors, leading studies, data analysis, and dissemination activities. My research manager, Evyanne Quirouette, helps oversee a large team of research coordinators and research assistants who conduct day-to-day research operations.

We have strong partnerships with site investigators across academic centres, community clinics, and virtual care providers. Our team integrates patient partners and community stakeholders in the design and interpretation of trial outcomes, ensuring relevance and accessibility.

As Chair and Medical Director of the internationally renowned and implemented Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation, our team can rapidly translate best practices into clinical care through our partners.