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Category: News This Week

  • ATNF Explores Shifting Dialogue in Tobacco Harm Reduction

    ATNF Explores Shifting Dialogue in Tobacco Harm Reduction

    At the American Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (ATNF), the panel titled “From ‘You Can’t Be Here’ to ‘We Need to Talk’” focused on the evolving relationship between public health advocates and the tobacco and nicotine industry, highlighting a gradual shift from outright exclusion toward cautious engagement. Moderated by Joe Gitchell, the CEO of PinneyAssociates, the discussion centered on the importance of dialogue across opposing viewpoints, with panelists reflecting on how entrenched positions, mistrust, and policy rigidity have slowed progress in reducing smoking-related harm.

    A recurring theme was how perspectives have changed over time. Dave Dobbins, the Principal Consultant of Dobbins Consulting, described moving from skepticism about e-cigarettes—once believed to be a gateway to smoking—to recognizing their potential role in harm reduction, while also criticizing high taxes and prohibition-style policies for slowing progress. Dr. Jonathan Foulds, a professor of Public Health at Penn State University, acknowledged misjudging both the appeal of alternative nicotine products and the industry’s ability to transition away from cigarettes, arguing that regulatory barriers and misinformation have hindered adoption of less harmful options. He emphasized the need to focus on current smokers—particularly older populations who face near-term health risks—while avoiding strategies that could drive youth uptake. Dr. Mark Tyndall, an author and vaping advocate, reinforced harm reduction principles drawn from his experience in HIV prevention, arguing that safer alternatives should be embraced more pragmatically, even as resistance persists within parts of the public health community.

    Panelists also examined the structural and philosophical divides shaping policy. Phil Wilbur, a retired public health expert, representing a traditional tobacco control perspective, stressed that reducing disease and death remains the central goal, while acknowledging past missteps, including an overemphasis on youth prevention strategies that did not fully succeed. The discussion highlighted ongoing tensions around prohibition versus harm reduction, with broad agreement that outright bans are ineffective and risk fueling illicit markets. At the same time, speakers pointed to deep-rooted mistrust of the tobacco industry as a barrier to collaboration, with suggestions ranging from clearer risk communication to restructuring incentives so companies benefit from transitioning away from combustible products. Across the panel, there was consensus that meaningful progress will require more open, evidence-based dialogue—moving beyond binary “good versus evil” narratives toward practical solutions that reflect real-world behavior and market dynamics.

  • PMI Reduces Zyn Production in Owensboro

    PMI Reduces Zyn Production in Owensboro

    Philip Morris International announced it will scale back production at its Swedish Match facility in Owensboro, Kentucky, shifting part of its Zyn nicotine pouch operations from a 24/7 schedule to a 24/5 schedule beginning in early July, according to The Owensboro Times. The adjustment primarily affects the Zyn Flagship department, which will return to a five-day, three-shift model under the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreement.

    The company said the move reflects changing market conditions, with production currently exceeding demand following a period of rapid growth and capacity expansion. PMI invested more than $230 million into the Owensboro site in 2024, increasing output and adding approximately 450 jobs to support strong demand for Zyn products.

    PMI emphasized that the change is a production realignment rather than a reduction in long-term commitment to the facility, noting that other operations, including Zyn Ultra production and maintenance, will remain on a 24/7 schedule. The company said it will work with union leadership on staffing adjustments and indicated the schedule could return to continuous operations if demand increases.

  • Delaware Advances Bill to Raise Nicotine Taxes; Cigs by 71%

    Delaware Advances Bill to Raise Nicotine Taxes; Cigs by 71%

    Delaware lawmakers advanced legislation to significantly increase tobacco taxes and update licensing requirements, with House Bill 215 proposing to raise the cigarette tax from $2.10 to $3.60 per pack while also increasing taxes on vapor products, moist snuff, and other nicotine items. The measure would expand the definition of tobacco to include all nicotine-containing products, raise licensing fees across the supply chain, and is projected to generate up to $26.7 million annually, with implementation beginning in late 2026.

  • Iowa Senate Passes 5-Cent Tax on Vapes, Nicotine Products

    Iowa Senate Passes 5-Cent Tax on Vapes, Nicotine Products

    The Iowa Senate has passed a bill establishing a new excise tax on alternative nicotine products, introducing a 5-cent per-unit tax on nicotine pouches and a 5-cent per milliliter tax on e-liquid used in vape products. The tax applies to both disposable vapes and refill cartridges, creating a standardized levy across emerging nicotine categories that have historically gone untaxed in the state.

    Lawmakers said the extra revenue would go toward pediatric cancer research. “I understand that the level of tax we’re looking at here is not likely to be enough to deter usage, but it is enough to create this investment in pediatric cancer research that we all want to get behind,” Sen. Kara Warme (R-Ames) said.

  • PMI Expands Ducati Partnership to Promote Zyn

    PMI Expands Ducati Partnership to Promote Zyn

    Philip Morris International expanded its long-standing partnership with Ducati Corse, announcing that its Zyn nicotine pouch brand will be featured on MotoGP race liveries at select events starting in the 2026 season. The move marks a new phase in the collaboration, which dates back to 2003, and reflects PMI’s continued focus on promoting smoke-free products through high-profile global platforms.

    PMI said the partnership aligns with its broader strategy to grow its oral nicotine portfolio, with ZYN positioned as a key driver in the company’s transition away from cigarettes. Ducati said the renewed agreement builds on a shared emphasis on innovation and performance, as both organizations look to extend their presence and engagement with adult consumers in international markets.

  • Massachusetts Court Upholds $56M Verdict Against Philip Morris

    Massachusetts Court Upholds $56M Verdict Against Philip Morris

    Massachusetts’ highest court rejected an effort by Philip Morris USA to impose stricter standards on punitive damages, allowing a previously reduced $56 million verdict to stand. The company had sought additional legal limits to curb large punitive awards, but the court declined to adopt new rules.

    The case stems from a lawsuit in which the original $1 billion punitive damages award had already been significantly reduced by a lower court. Philip Morris argued for further reductions and broader changes to how such damages are assessed, but the justices upheld the existing framework.

  • FDA Issues NSE Orders for Seneca’s 28 Cigarette Products

    FDA Issues NSE Orders for Seneca’s 28 Cigarette Products

    Today (March 23), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued Not Substantially Equivalent (NSE) orders for 28 cigarette products manufactured by Seneca Manufacturing Company, determining they do not meet the legal standard to remain on the market. As a result, these products, sold under the Heron and Sands brands, can no longer be distributed, imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.

    The affected products were previously allowed to remain on the market under provisional substantial equivalence status while under FDA review. With the final NSE determinations now posted, retailers have been instructed to coordinate with manufacturers or suppliers to remove remaining inventory.

    The agency said it will exercise enforcement discretion until May 23, after which non-compliant sales could face penalties. FDA noted that enforcement actions may include warning letters, fines, product seizures, or injunctions. The agency also pointed retailers to its searchable tobacco products database, which lists authorized products eligible for legal sale, as part of ongoing efforts to support compliance with federal tobacco regulations.

    Seneca Manufacturing Company is a tobacco manufacturer founded in 2006 after obtaining its federal TTB license, initially operating with a small team and focusing distribution within Seneca Nation territory in the New York area before expanding to multiple U.S. states and other Indigenous markets.

  • FDA Expands List of Harmful Tobacco Constituents

    FDA Expands List of Harmful Tobacco Constituents

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it finalized the addition of 18 chemicals to its list of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs), bringing the total to 111 substances identified in tobacco products, smoke, or aerosol. The list is intended to highlight compounds that pose known or potential risks to human health and applies across cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, and hookah tobacco product categories.

    The newly added constituents include a range of flavoring agents, solvents, and byproducts, many of which are commonly associated with e-liquid formulations. FDA said the update provides greater transparency for the public while also signaling to manufacturers which chemicals may receive increased scrutiny during the review of new product applications. The agency emphasized that inclusion on the HPHC list does not constitute a ban, but triggers reporting requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

    The agency also opened a new consultation on three additional compounds—pulegone, furfuryl alcohol, and methyl eugenol—frequently used as flavoring ingredients, with public comments due by May 26. In addition, FDA confirmed that respiratory toxicants identified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will now be considered as a criterion for future additions to the list. The agency said it expects to continue updating the HPHC list as new scientific evidence emerges.

    The constituents added to the Register are: Acetic Acid, Acetoin (also known as 3-hydroxy-2-butanone), Acetyl Propionyl (also known as 2,3-pentanedione), Benzyl Acetate, Butyraldehyde, Diacetyl, Diethylene Glycol, Ethyl Acetate, Ethylene Glycol, Furfural, Glycerol, Glycidol, Isoamyl Acetate, Isobutyl Acetate, Methyl Acetate, n-Butanol, Propionic Acid, and Propylene Glycol.

  • South Korea Bans Online Sales of Synthetic Nicotine Vapes

    South Korea Bans Online Sales of Synthetic Nicotine Vapes

    South Korea will ban online sales of liquid e-cigarettes made with synthetic nicotine starting this week, as part of broader regulatory changes under the revised Tobacco Business Act, the finance ministry announced. The update expands the definition of tobacco to include nicotine—whether natural or synthetic—bringing these products under full tobacco regulation.

    Manufacturers and importers will now be required to obtain government approval, register with local authorities, and comply with taxation rules, including a temporary 50% tax reduction for two years. Sales to minors, promotional activities, and product modification for resale will also be prohibited, while use of these products will be banned in designated non-smoking areas.

    The rules also mandate graphic health warnings, ingredient disclosure, and regular testing for harmful substances. Vendors must be licensed as tobacco retailers to sell directly to consumers, while authorities are also reviewing how to regulate emerging “nicotine analog” products not yet formally classified as tobacco.

  • Al Fakher Owner Moves Ahead with Nasdaq Listing

    Al Fakher Owner Moves Ahead with Nasdaq Listing

    Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR), the Dubai-based owner of hookah tobacco brand Al Fakher, is proceeding with plans to go public on Nasdaq through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners III, with the deal potentially closing in early May. The company recently submitted its second filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and if approved, the transaction—valuing the combined entity at approximately $1.75 billion—will move to a shareholder vote.

    “The SEC’s declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement is an important regulatory milestone in our journey to become a public company,” said AIR CEO Stuart Brazier, “and we look forward to our planned debut on the Nasdaq as a pure-play social inhalation leader in the coming months.”

    AIR reported 2025 net revenue of $400 million, up 6% year over year, with profits rising to $47 million. The company serves around 14 million consumers globally and operates across 90 markets, with manufacturing facilities spanning the Middle East and Europe. Growth remains driven by expansion in markets such as the U.S., Europe, and Saudi Arabia.

    While operations have not been directly impacted by the ongoing Middle East conflict, supply chains have faced disruption due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, increasing logistics costs. The company said it has rerouted shipments and is working to offset higher expenses through cost controls and selective price adjustments, while maintaining its outlook for continued growth in 2026.