The FDA authorizes Nicotine sachets in the United States

The product was released as an alternative to the traditional cigarette and indicates progress in the strategies of the smoke -free product

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States regulation agency, authorized for the first time the sale of oral nicotine sachets, marking a significant step in the search for less harmful alternatives to the conventional cigarette. Zyn, produced by the Swedish match belonging to Philip Morris International (PMI), became the first sachet of nicotine authorized in the United States in January. The decision was made after large revisions of scientific studies, which evaluated the nicotine sachets as a better option for smokers.

The nicotine sachets are small cellulose bags that dissolve in the mouth, releasing nicotine to be absorbed by the body. The approval of the FDA indicates that, compared to conventional cigarettes, these products have a lower risk of cancer and other health problems.

According to Matthew Farrelly, Ph.D., director of the Science Office at the Center for Tobacco Products of FDA, to obtain marketing authorizations, the agency needs sufficient evidence that the new products offer more health benefits to the population population “. The FDA has concluded that nicotine sachets satisfy this criterion, for the benefit of adults who cannot or do not want to quit smoking.

The oncologist Alexei Peter Dos Santos, Master of Education Technology at the University of British Columbia, says that quitting smoking is the best way to prevent the aspect of diseases, but many people cannot abandon cigarettes, even with cessation policies and awareness campaigns. For him, the approach to the reduction of damage is crucial for these individuals.

He explains that the traditional cigarette smoker is exposed to over 6,000 carcinogenic components. “When it comes to using sachets, there is nicotine, which causes dependence, but with much less carcinogenic,” he explains. This is because, most of the substances that increase the risk of cancer are in cigarette smoke, that is, they are released with tobacco combustion.

The expert emphasizes that the approval of the FDA is a first step in the use of sachets as an alternative to the cigarette. It warns that the regulation allows you to control marketing actions to prevent the product from reaching a young audience, avoiding new people borne by nicotine.

The sachets are not yet authorized in Brazil. The doctor expresses concern for the lack of regulation, because the products are already in the illegal market. “We must have our experience and adapt these policies to our reality,” he says.

The product is part of the SME strategy to move from the conventional cigarette manufacturer to the leader’s position in smoke -free products. These products have already totaled over 38% of the total net revenues of SMEs in the first half of 2024. Since 2008, PMI has invested over 12.5 billion dollars in research and development of smoke -free products.

The category of smoke -free products includes in addition to sachets, electronic devices with heated tobacco technology, which warms induction tobacco without burning it, reducing the exposure of toxic compounds up to 95% compared to conventional cigarettes. The heated tobacco technology is not yet marketed in Brazil, but it is already present in over 90 markets, such as the European Union, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.