Category: Featured

  • Malaysia Mulls Age-Based Tobacco Ban

    Malaysia Mulls Age-Based Tobacco Ban

    Photo: sezerozger

    Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin wants to ban smoking for the next generation of Malaysians, according to reports by Lowyat and Code Blue. The plan comes in the wake of New Zealand’s announcement that it would prohibit the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008.

    Jamaluddin plans to table a new Tobacco and Smoking Control Act at the upcoming Parliament meeting from Feb. 28 to March 24, which will replace the current tobacco product control legislation under the Food Act 1983.

    The bill will also regulate e-cigarettes and vape products, according to Jamaluddin, who called the bill a “generation endgame.”

    “For too long, our healthcare system has been burdened with healthcare issues resulting from smoking,” said Jamaluddin. “This allocation will enable smoking to be phased out in stages until one day in [the] future, Malaysia will be a smoke-free country.”

    A date for the proposed legislation has not been specified nor has a cutoff year of birth for the cohort smoking ban.

  • New Habanos Website

    New Habanos Website

    Photo: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Corporacion Habano has redesigned its website with the input from distributors and cigar aficionados. The new website allows users to easily find information about brands, events and new developments. The site’s popular authenticity check function has been improved.

    The site also features a section that allows aficionados to easily locate places where Habanos cigars can be purchased or smoked.

    “Habanos has opted for a much more visual style, faithful to its elegant and exquisite essence, trying the Habanos aficionados to find everything they need and enjoy browsing and learning more about the rich culture surrounding this exclusive product,” said Habanos Deputy Director of Operational Marketing Alex Fernandez Blanco Barrero.

    A global leader in the commercialization of premium cigars, Corporacion Habano has an exclusive distribution network spread over five continents and more than 150 countries.

  • Respira Creates Science Advisory Board

    Respira Creates Science Advisory Board

    Respira Technologies has created a scientific advisory board and appointed Jasjit S. Ahluwalia as its chair.

    According to Respira, the scientific advisory board plans to strengthen the company’s connection to the constantly evolving body of scientific evidence on the issues of tobacco use, harm reduction, nicotine and smoking cessation being generated by public health to guide the development of its technology and pipeline for current and future new drug applications.

    “As a biotechnology company whose goal is to end the death and disease caused by smoking through the development of a breakthrough smoking cessation therapy, we must be guided by and have a deep understanding of the constantly evolving data and science generated by public health on issues important to our business,” said Respira Technologies CEO Mario Danek in a statement.

    “We are thrilled to name Dr. Ahluwalia as chair and the founding member of our scientific advisory board. He represents one of the best and brightest scientific minds with decades of experience in studying nicotine addiction and cessation. Having guidance and perspective from the most distinguished researchers in this space will be critical to Respira achieving its goal of contributing to eliminating preventable morbidity and mortality and achieving health equity.”

    Ahluwalia is a leader in academic research and public health focused on studying tobacco use, nicotine addiction and smoking cessation. He is a physician and public health scientist at Brown University.

    Through his research, he has also investigated issues of health disparities and minority health broadly across multiple areas of substance use, cancer prevention and public health.

    At Brown University, he is a professor, associate director of the Legoretta Cancer Center and deputy director of the Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, a NIH-funded Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. Ahluwalia’s work has generated over 350 publications in leading scientific journals, and he has received over $100 million in research funding as a principal and co-investigator.

    As chair of Respira’s Scientific Advisory Board, Ahluwalia will be engaged in the company’s scientific strategy, development of clinical research and leading engagement within the nicotine, addiction and cessation public health community. His broad healthcare research background will guide Respira’s current application and inform the company’s development pipeline to expand application of its proprietary drug delivery platform across a diverse spectrum of indications and patient populations.

    “I have dedicated the last 30 years of my career to understanding nicotine addiction, cessation and the complex issues they create in our society, especially among ethnic minority and other vulnerable populations,” said Ahluwalia. “Respira has the potential to create a very significant impact on this important public health crisis.  I am thrilled to be leading Respira’s scientific advisory board and look forward to assisting the company in its efforts to improve the lives of hundreds of millions of smokers looking to quit around the world.”

    Respira Technologies is preparing to submit an investigative new drug application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022, which will allow the company to begin human clinical studies. The company is pursuing a prescription designation for its portable handheld combination drug device for the indication of smoking cessation therapy.

  • 22nd Century to Launch VLN Cigarettes in U.S.

    22nd Century to Launch VLN Cigarettes in U.S.

    Photo: 22nd Century

    22nd Century Group plans to launch its VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes in a major U.S. metropolitan market by March 2022. The debut will be followed by a nationwide launch.

    On Dec. 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized 22nd Century Group’s VLN King and VLN Menthol King as the first reduced-nicotine content cigarettes under the agency’s modified-risk tobacco product designation. Scientific studies show the company’s VLN reduced-nicotine content cigarettes “help you smoke less.”  

    “The FDA’s MRTP authorization of VLN ushered in a new reality—a combustible cigarette carrying an authorized harm reduction claim supported by extensive scientific and clinical studies, most of which were funded by federal health agencies,” said James A. Mish, CEO of 22nd Century, in a statement.

    “VLN is the only reduced harm product of its kind, and we are confident based on the research that it can absolutely be successful on its own or in combination with other harm reduction products. With an estimated 1,300 deaths per day associated with U.S. smoking, our products that can help people smoke less offer a truly game-changing prospect for millions of American adults who currently smoke.”  

    During the pilot phase, 22nd Century Group will test and optimize its marketing mix. The pilot will help the company better understand how adult smokers will use this product prior to advancing to national distribution, providing an unmatched tool for helping adult smokers find an off-ramp from nicotine addiction.

    “22nd Century has secured a well-known national retail partner for VLN’s pilot market launch phase,” said Mish. “We intend to deploy and test a wide array of marketing materials aimed at adult smokers looking for ways to help them smoke less. These will include marketing at the point of sale, direct materials sent to self-identified adult smokers interested in VLN and online resources, such as our new product site at tryvln.com.”

    While 22nd Century owns or controls the intellectual property that makes VLN tobacco possible, the company has reiterated its willingness and expectation to license the technology to strategic partners.

  • RAI Heating Technology Declared ‘Unpatentable’

    RAI Heating Technology Declared ‘Unpatentable’

    Photo: tashatuvango

    The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has determined as unpatentable several claims by RAI Strategic Holdings relating to tobacco-heating technology, reports The Winston-Salem Journal.

    According to federal law, a claim is unpatentable if “the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains.”

    The board’s rulings are the latest developments involving several patent infringement lawsuits between RAI and Philip Morris International.

    In November, the U.S. Trade Representative affirmed a legal victory by RAI’s parent company, British American Tobacco, against rival Philip Morris International and its U.S. partner, Philip Morris USA.

    On Sept. 29, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a final determination of a violation of the Tariff Act of 1930 by Philip Morris USA and Altria Client Services as it related to two BAT product patents.

    Altria Group, parent of PM USA, asked trade representative Katherine Tai to overturn the ban. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office confirmed no action was taken by Tai.

    As a result of the ITC ruling, PM USA is barred from importing PMI’s IQOS 2.4, IQOS 3 and IQOS 3 Duo heat-not-burn cigarette products into the United States.

    PMI welcomed the PTAB ruling. “We are extremely pleased with the well-reasoned PTAB decisions, which further demonstrate the futility of RJR/BAT’s efforts to litigate this patent family,” a PMI spokesperson said.

    Reynolds said in a statement that “we disagree with the decision finding (the ‘915’ ruling) invalid partially contradicting the International Trade Commission’s ruling, which was based on a highly developed evidentiary record, including a six-day trial with live witnesses.”

    Reynolds said an ITC panel and the full commission “agreed with Reynolds’ position regarding the patent.”

    PTAB decisions can be appealed for review to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which Reynolds has indicated it will pursue.

    Another option for Reynolds, according to the patent board’s ruling, is for Reynolds to amend its patents in dispute or request a reexamination of the challenged patent.

  • Institute Warns Against Overregulation of Vapor

    Institute Warns Against Overregulation of Vapor

    Photo: iQoncept

    A new study by the American Consumer Institute highlights the dangers of overregulating e-cigarettes and vaping products. Co-authored by Steve Pociask and Liam Sigaud, the report investigates the empirical evidence surrounding the consumer risks and benefits of using e-cigarettes and vaping products compared to using combustible tobacco products.

    The reports assets that vapor products are significantly safer than smoking and more effective than other nicotine-based smoking cessation treatments in getting smokers to quit cigarettes.

    The authors contend that excessive regulation of e-cigarettes not only ignores the prevailing scientific consensus on health risks, but also deters smokers from switching to safer alternatives while pushing vapers back to smoking.

    Therefore, the authors argue, overregulating vapor products will have serious health consequences for consumers who smoke.

    “This report provides much-needed clarity on an issue of profound importance for public health,” the publishers wrote in a press release accompanying the report. “As the authors note, ‘informed by rigorous research, the U.S. can better chart a responsible course that encourages smokers to seek safer substitutes and quit, while protecting our youth from the dangers of tobacco products.’”

  • Broughton: China Vapor Laws is Opportunity

    Broughton: China Vapor Laws is Opportunity

    Photo: Smoore

    Recent amendments to China’s Tobacco Monopoly Law present an opportunity for responsible companies to demonstrate how alternative high-quality products are an important and appropriate element of tobacco harm reduction, according to Broughton.

    Writing on the website of the contract research organization, Broughton’s head of regulatory affairs, Lloyd Smart, and regulatory consultant Xiangyin Wei summarize China’s tobacco monopoly law changes and explain what they means for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

    On Nov. 26, 2021, China’s State Council amended the country’s tobacco law, giving the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration jurisdiction over e-cigarettes. Next-generation products will now be managed in the same way as combustible cigarettes.

    Among other things, this means that ENDS companies, including exporters, will need to apply for a license. A single transaction platform will be implemented for product distribution and all products must comply with a new national standard. Regulation of products likely to be introduced following an initial transition period of between three and five months, during which no new products may be brought to market. Products with synthetic nicotine will be banned in China.

    According to Broughton, the recently announced changes to e-cigarette regulation in China offer an excellent business opportunity for companies that want to build consumer trust by showcasing their product’s high quality and safety standards.

    “As with all regulatory requirements, the most important initial step is to understand fully what’s needed—to provide reassurance or identify gaps that need to be addressed. And to act quickly; seizing the opportunity while making sure you don’t get left behind as the market changes,” write Smart and Xiangyin.

  • Surge Pioneers Ultrasonic Technology

    Surge Pioneers Ultrasonic Technology

    Photo: Surge Vapor

    Surge Vapor has introduced new ultrasonic technology to improve the vaping experience.

    Typical vaping devices use a coil made of resistance wire. The wire is heated with an electrical current, turning e-liquid into vapor. Due to the heating process, traditional coils need to be replaced frequently and can produce unpleasant “dry hits” or burnt flavors.

    To address this problem, the Surge engineering team developed an ultrasonic vaping chip. Vibrates 3 million times per second, the chip splits e-liquid into a cloud of vapor without using a traditional heating wire.

    Ultrasonic heating creates smaller vapor particles, delivering nicotine content more efficiently for increased satisfaction, according to Surge vapor. Since no wires are heated to produce vapor, “dry hits” and burnt flavors are eliminated from the vaping experience. Additionally, the lower working temperature of the ultrasonic process reduces potential toxin emission and maintains the chemical stability of the e-liquid.

    Surge Vapor’s first device was created for new vapers, with a lightweight design, automatic draw activation and pre-filled ultrasonic pods. The device features six flavors, which have been specifically developed to pair with ultrasonic technology.

    “Our mission was to create new vaping technology, which advances tobacco harm reduction and maximizes satisfaction,” the company wrote in a statement. “After years of research and development, this is now a reality. We are excited for vapers around the world to experience the next generation of vaping with Surge.”

  • Thai Minister Commits to Legalize Vaping

    Thai Minister Commits to Legalize Vaping

    Photo: kikujungboy

    Thailand’s digital economy and society minister, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn on Jan. 14 he would continue efforts to legalize e-cigarettes, according to the Bangkok Post.

    Thanakamanusorn believes vapor products are safer than combustible cigarettes. He said legalization of e-cigarettes would enable the country to tax sales and would provide people who found themselves unable to quit smoking with a safer option. 

    The minister intends to create a working group to study legalization and invite people to sign in support of a request next month that the Constitutional Court rule if the ban on imports of e-cigarettes violates people’s rights, especially the right to have access to less dangerous products. 

    The minister insisted he had no vested interest in legalizing vaping. Tobacco harm reduction advocates have been pushing for legalization in Thailand.

  • Campaigners Attack Cost-of-Smoking Claim

    Campaigners Attack Cost-of-Smoking Claim

    Simon Clark (Photo: Forest)

    Smokers’ rights campaigners have rejected a claim that smokers cost society £17 billion ($23.3 billion) a year in the U.K.—£5 billion more than previously estimated.

    On Jan. 14, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) published an economic analysis of U.K. data suggesting that the cost of smoking is significantly higher than previous estimates have shown.

    The higher estimate is a result of a new assessment of the impact of smoking on productivity. According to ASH, smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to become ill while of working age, increasing the likelihood being out of work and reducing the average wages of smokers. Smokers are also more likely to die while they are still of working age, creating a further loss to the economy.

    The report also cites smoking-related fires as a major cost to society, in the form of fire-related deaths, injuries and property damage.

    “The suggestion that smokers are a significant economic burden on society is absurd,” countered Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ lobby group Forest.

    “More than 80 percent of the cost of tobacco in the UK is tax and the revenue from the sale of legal tobacco is almost £10 billion a year. That’s a fact.

    “In contrast, the contrived claim that smoking costs society £17 billion is based on nothing more than estimates and calculations.

    “As well as making a huge contribution to the public purse, smokers make a significant contribution to the local economy because without the money they spend on tobacco many village shops and convenience stores would lose a regular source of income.

    “The health risks of smoking are well known. If adults choose to smoke that’s a matter for them not government. Ministers must remember that and not be swayed by exaggerated claims about the cost of smoking to society.”