FDA OKs Sales of Zyn Nicotine Pouches
Federal Health Officials Back Public Health Benefits
Federal health officials on Thursday backed the public health benefits of nicotine pouches, authorizing Philip Morris International’s Zyn to help adult smokers cut back or quit cigarettes.
First-Ever Authorization
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OK’d 10 Zyn flavors, including coffee, mint, and menthol. It’s the first time regulators have authorized sales of nicotine pouches, which are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. tobacco market.
Data Shows Reduction in Disease
The pouches have been available for more than a decade as the FDA reviewed company data intended to show the products can serve as an alternative to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products. The decision doesn’t mean that Zyn is safe, just less harmful than older alternatives.
To Remain on the Market
To remain on the market, companies generally must show that their products will reduce disease among adult tobacco users without attracting teens and adolescents. FDA officials said Thursday that Zyn contains fewer harmful ingredients than cigarettes and various types of chewing tobacco, including snuff, which are linked to cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Company data also showed “a substantial portion of adults” who previously smoked switched completely to Zyn, regulators said. The pouches are sold in two different strengths.
“Substantial Portion of Adults” Have Switched to Zyn
“The data show that these nicotine pouch products meet that bar by benefiting adults who use cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products,” said Matthew Farrelly of FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.
Comparison to Other Products
The FDA has previously granted similar authorization to several brands of e-cigarettes, a tobacco-heating device, and snus, a type of pasteurized tobacco that is popular in Scandinavian countries. Unlike snus, Zyn and other nicotine pouches don’t contain tobacco, only nicotine and flavoring.
Concerns Over Underage Use
For decades, tobacco companies have tried to develop alternative products to replace dwindling sales of cigarettes, as smoking levels in the U.S. and worldwide continue to fall. E-cigarettes became popular more than a decade ago, but faced a backlash after they triggered a multiyear spike in underage vaping. In recent months, antismoking groups have warned that nicotine pouches could follow a similar path, pointing to videos of young people popping Zyn and other pouches that have racked up millions of views on social media platforms.
Fewer than 2% of High School and Middle School Students Use Nicotine Pouches
But the FDA pointed to government survey data showing fewer than 2% of American high school and middle school students used nicotine pouches last year.
How Zyn Works
Supporters of the pouches have pointed out that Zyn works the same way as nicotine gum, lozenges, and other older smoking-cessation products: releasing low levels of nicotine that are absorbed into the gums, reducing cravings.
Debate and Controversy
Debate surrounding Zyn spilled over into politics last year, pitting Democrats and Republicans against each other in another skirmish in the nation’s culture war. In late January, Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer, of New York, called on regulators to investigate Zyn, citing its appeal to teens. Several House Republicans then warned constituents that “Big Brother” intended to “ban nicotine.” Tucker Carlson and other conservative commentators are among the public figures who have embraced Zyn.
Marketing and Competition
Philip Morris has stated it does not employ online influencers or endorsements to promote Zyn, which is marketed in the U.S. by its Swedish Match unit. It competes with similar products from other tobacco competitors, including Altria’s On pouches.
Conclusion
The FDA’s decision to authorize Zyn is a significant step forward in the development of alternative tobacco products. While there are concerns about the potential for underage use, the data suggests that Zyn is a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products.
FAQs
* What is Zyn?
Zyn is a nicotine pouch product that is designed to help adult smokers cut back or quit cigarettes.
* What is the FDA’s authorization?
The FDA has authorized the sale of 10 Zyn flavors, including coffee, mint, and menthol.
* Is Zyn safe?
The FDA’s decision does not mean that Zyn is safe, but rather that it is less harmful than older alternatives.
* How does Zyn work?
Zyn releases low levels of nicotine that are absorbed into the gums, reducing cravings.
* Is Zyn only for adult smokers?
Yes, Zyn is only intended for adult smokers who are looking to cut back or quit cigarettes.
