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Category: News This Week

  • Study: Nicotine Pouches “Game-Changer” for Women Quitting Smoking

    Study: Nicotine Pouches “Game-Changer” for Women Quitting Smoking

    New research from Smoke Free Sweden reveals oral nicotine pouches are a game-changer in Sweden’s path to becoming the world’s first smoke-free nation – and are driving unprecedented success among women. The report, Power in a Pouch, launched today (June 17) in Strasbourg, shows since their introduction in 2016, tobacco-free pouches have helped to accelerate the decline in smoking for both genders, with a nearly 200% rise in quit rates among women. Sweden’s smoking rate is now 5.3%, just above the 5% smoke-free benchmark. Male lung cancer deaths are 61% below the EU average; total cancer deaths, 34% lower.

    “The evidence is crystal clear: nicotine pouches are the most effective way to help smokers – especially women – quit,” said report co-author Dr. Marewa Glover, a behavioral scientist from New Zealand. “Health data and women’s testimonials show pouches are safe, socially acceptable, and fit modern lifestyles. They’re pragmatic, effective, and our best hope for a smoke-free future.”

  • blu Vapes Help Smokers Cut Down, New Studies Find

    blu Vapes Help Smokers Cut Down, New Studies Find

    New research from Imperial Brands shows that its vape product, blu, is helping adult smokers reduce or quit smoking—even among those who had no plans to stop.

    Two behavioral studies tracked smokers who started using blu and found cigarette use dropped by nearly 30% within a week. At a six-month follow-up, up to 40% had significantly reduced or stopped smoking altogether. Flavors played a key role in the switch, with nearly 29% of users preferring fruit flavors, and 60% saying they’d keep using blu because of the flavor options.

    “This is potentially very positive news for public health,” said Elizabeth Clarke, Imperial’s Scientific Substantiation Lead.

    The findings will be presented at the Global Forum on Nicotine 2025 in Warsaw this week and submitted for academic publication later this year.

  • Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) announced that tobacco trading operations across the nation are continuing uninterrupted despite the start of the rainy season in June. Dr. Giovanni Palabay, NTA–La Union Manager, confirmed that flue-cured Virginia tobacco trading centers in Ilocos will remain open until June 30, with centers including Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI), Trans Manila, Inc., and Continental Leaf Tobacco Philippines, Inc. operational.

    “If there is more tobacco available beyond June 30, NTA can coordinate for continued accommodation by the trading centers,” said Palabay. Top prices for high-quality Virginia tobacco have reached P130 ($2.34) per kilo.

    There are 59,242 registered tobacco farmers cultivating over 32,500 hectares nationwide. NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said farmers are expected to earn more this season, as trading prices are currently above the government-set floor prices.

    Burley and native tobacco trading will continue in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region through August 31, with peak prices of P118 ($2.12) for Burley and P175 ($3.15) for native Batek tobacco per kilo.

  • Fumot to Launch New Device at WVS Dubai

    Fumot to Launch New Device at WVS Dubai

    Fumot announced it will unveil its Ultra T32000 Dual-Flavor Pod System this week at the World Vape Show Dubai. “The Ultra T32000 introduces a revolutionary rotating mouthpiece that allows users to switch between two distinct e-liquid flavors instantly—eliminating the need for multiple devices or pod changes,” the company said in a press release. “The device is designed to enhance convenience, sophistication, and sustainability for adult vapers.”

    Additional features include:

    • TPD Compliance: Meets EU safety and quality standards
    • Transparent E-liquid Tank: Easy visibility of remaining liquid
    • Eco-Friendly Battery: Removable and recyclable for reduced waste
    • Generous Capacity: Holds a total of 24mL across dual pods
  • PMI Calls for Smoke-Free Africa 

    PMI Calls for Smoke-Free Africa 

    Philip Morris International (PMI), called for the removal of all obstacles preventing the eradication of smoking in the African continent. The call, made in line with the company’s Tobacco Harm Reduction Program, specifically seeks governments’ policies and actions that are based on current scientific findings, rather than traditions, emotions, and skepticism.

    Speaking at the 2025 Technovation Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, officials of PMI identified a lack of effective government policies, skepticism, and the absence of communication, among other things, as the bane of a smoke-free future in Africa.

    “Innovation has the power to tackle global challenges and, when paired with policy changes, can drive meaningful solutions to worldwide issues,” PMI’s Vice President, Communications and Engagement, Tommaso Di Giovanni said. “However, skepticism toward innovation often results in missed opportunities and stalls progress.” 

     “I think the question we need to ask ourselves is not whether and why, but how Africa should proceed further,” said Andrea Gontkovicova, PMI’s Vice President for Corporate Affairs in the region. “What is the role that we want to take together so that the adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking are given the information, are given the choice, and are given the products which are significantly better?”  

  • Major U.K. Supermarkets Told to Stop Tobacco Ads

    Major U.K. Supermarkets Told to Stop Tobacco Ads

    The British government has contacted Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, two of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, asking them to stop “advertising and promoting” heated tobacco products, which it says is against the law, according to the BBC. It was reported in February that both supermarkets were displaying posters and video screens showing devices that create a “nicotine-containing vapor by heating tobacco with an electric current.” At the time, both supermarkets said they believed the adverts were legal.

    Since 2002, the law has defined a tobacco product as something designed to be “smoked, sniffed, sucked or chewed.” Those supporting heated products point out that such products do not produce smoke, and Philip Morris International says it believes the Department of Health’s interpretation of the law is wrong, and says it has “complied with all applicable laws and regulations” since it launched its heated product, iQos, in 2016.

    The government has now written to the supermarkets saying that, in its opinion, the law does apply to heated products.

    A spokesperson for Morrisons said it was reviewing the letter and would respond “in due course.” Sainsbury’s said, “We remain in close contact with the government and industry partners and are planning our transition to ensure we also comply with planned incoming legislation.”

    It would likely take a court case to settle this dispute; however, currently, there is a bill at the committee stage in the House of Lords that is expected to conclusively ban all tobacco and vape advertising and sponsorship, making other legal actions futile.

  • Malaysia Losing $1.2B to Illicit Cigarettes

    Malaysia Losing $1.2B to Illicit Cigarettes

    Malaysia continues to suffer major revenue losses from the illicit cigarette trade, with an estimated RM5 billion ($1.2 billion) in tax revenue lost each year, according to the latest NielsenIQ Illicit Cigarettes Study released in March.

    After peaking at 63.8% in 2020, illicit cigarette consumption continued its slow decline down to 54.6%, according to the report, with 10 dominant contraband brands accounting for 75% of cigarettes smuggled. The study also raised alarm over rampant tax stamp fraud, noting that 31% of illegal cigarette packs bore counterfeit stamps.

    “Organized smuggling syndicates are growing increasingly sophisticated, posing a serious challenge to enforcement and public health policy,” the report stated. Hotspot states such as Johor, Selangor, and Sabah were identified as major entry and distribution points for illicit tobacco products.

  • Kenyan Officials Pushing Tobacco Packaging Changes

    Kenyan Officials Pushing Tobacco Packaging Changes

    Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, issued a warning to tobacco manufacturers and distributors, urging full compliance with the country’s new packaging regulations under the Tobacco Control Act. Duale said all tobacco products must display graphic health warnings (GHWs)—including images and pictograms—as stipulated in Section 21 of the Act. The Ministry has granted a nine-month compliance period from the date of gazettment.

    “These warnings are not optional. They are a legal requirement designed to educate the public and protect our youth and vulnerable populations from the dangers of tobacco,” said Duale. “Non-compliance will attract the full force of the law.”

    The Ministry of Health issued the third set of GHWs last week.

  • Zimbabwe Nearing Record Tobacco Target

    Zimbabwe Nearing Record Tobacco Target

    Zimbabwe is on the brink of a historic tobacco season, with over 280 million kilograms of tobacco sold to date, representing 94% of the national 300 million kg target for 2025. According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), the sales have generated $944 million.

    TIMB spokesperson Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe reported a strong season, highlighting the active participation of over 108,000 growers, a 4.6% increase from last year. With weeks remaining in the marketing season, Zimbabwe is poised to surpass its record.

    “The numbers speak for themselves—our farmers have shown resilience and commitment,” she said.

    Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, attributed the success to favorable weather, expanded smallholder participation, improved farming techniques, and strong institutional support, particularly through contract farming schemes.

    The average price per kilogram stands at $3.37, slightly down from 2024’s $3.47, but still delivering strong returns for farmers.

  • Nicotine May Improve Cognitive Issues

    Nicotine May Improve Cognitive Issues

    A growing body of research suggests that nicotine patches and gum, traditionally used to help people quit smoking, may offer off-label benefits for treating various cognitive issues like ADHD, Alzheimer’s, brain fog, schizophrenia, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. Doctors like Edward Levin (Duke University) and Paul Newhouse (Vanderbilt) have found that nicotine can stimulate brain receptors tied to attention and memory.

    One 2023 study reported that nicotine patches improved concentration in long COVID brain fog sufferers, sparking interest from users like Slate writer Hannah Singleton, who found that low-dose nicotine gum dramatically improved her focus.

    Unlike tobacco products, nicotine patches deliver the substance in controlled, low-risk doses, making them potentially safe for non-smokers. However, experts caution that this remains experimental, with no FDA-approved protocols yet. Still, amid ongoing stimulant shortages, nicotine’s role as a cognitive aid is gaining attention.