Public Health Support and Concerns
The has authorized 's nicotine pouches, marking the first approval for such products in the , citing potential benefits for adult smokers looking to quit or reduce cigarette use.
Despite the approval, concerns persist about the risk of underage use, with antismoking groups fearing a repeat of the underage vaping spike triggered by e-cigarettes. However, FDA data shows less than 2% of middle and high school students used nicotine pouches last year.
Market Impact and Competitors
Zyn, marketed by , a Philip Morris subsidiary, competes with similar nicotine pouch products from other tobacco companies, such as Altria's On pouches, highlighting the growing diversity in nicotine delivery options.
This move is part of a broader industry trend aimed at replacing declining cigarette sales with alternative products, as smoking rates continue to fall globally. The approval could potentially shift some adult smokers away from traditional tobacco products to nicotine pouches.