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Tag: Nicotine

  • 22nd Century Expands VLN to 140 C-Stores in Illinois

    22nd Century Expands VLN to 140 C-Stores in Illinois

    22nd Century Group, Inc. announced the launch of its VLN reduced-nicotine content cigarettes with 140 Circle K locations in Illinois, marking another step in the company’s nationwide rollout. The products, designed to contain 95% less nicotine, are now authorized for sale in 45 states, with approvals in the remaining five expected soon.

    Chief Executive Officer Larry Firestone said the expansion returns the brand to its first launch market. “We know there are VLN smokers who will appreciate the new branding and product rollout in Illinois,” Firestone said. “Once we achieve authorization and distribution in all 50 states, we will demonstrate the large-scale feasibility of our VLN low-nicotine products and alignment with the FDA’s new low-nicotine mandate.”

  • EU Tobacco Tax Would Worsen Cyprus’ €22M Illicit Losses

    EU Tobacco Tax Would Worsen Cyprus’ €22M Illicit Losses

    Cyprus joins 11 other EU member states in opposing the European Commission’s plan to dramatically increase tobacco taxes, as officials warned the move could worsen the country’s growing illicit cigarette trade, which already costs €22 million annually in lost revenue. At 29%, Cyprus has the seventh-highest smoking rate in the EU.

    The proposal, discussed at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in Luxembourg, would nearly triple minimum excise duties on cigarettes and, for the first time, introduce EU-wide levies on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Under the plan, minimum cigarette taxes would rise from €90 to €215 per 1,000 cigarettes, pushing the price of a pack in Cyprus from €4.50 to as much as €7.50, while hand-rolling tobacco would almost double in cost. Next-generation nicotine products would face a 45% minimum tax from 2028, increasing to €88 per 1,000 units by 2032.

    Cyprus already faces a mounting smuggling crisis, with illicit cigarette consumption rising to 14.3% in 2024, up from 11% the previous year—equal to 130 million illegal cigarettes consumed. Across the EU, illicit consumption reached 38.9 billion cigarettes, causing €14.9 billion in lost revenue.

  • Harm Reduction ‘Should be Wake-Up Call’ for Policymakers

    Harm Reduction ‘Should be Wake-Up Call’ for Policymakers

    At the 2025 Asia Forum on Nicotine, Prof. Dr. Rohan Sequeira, Consultant Cardio Endocrinologist, warned that Asia remains the epicenter of the global tobacco epidemic, home to over half of the world’s 1 billion smokers and responsible for 4 million tobacco-related deaths each year. He said traditional control measures—taxation, warning labels, and public campaigns—have done little to reverse rising smoking rates in South and Southeast Asia. What the region needs, he argued, is not more prohibition but a science-based harm reduction approach that recognizes medical evidence.

    “It’s the combustion of tobacco or the use of unprocessed tobacco which causes 7,000 toxic chemicals,” Dr. Sequeira said, emphasizing that nicotine, though addictive, is not the chief cause of tobacco-related disease. “Most of the policies for tobacco harm reduction have been based on good medical science behind it.”

    Presenting data-driven projections, Dr. Sequeira called for urgent policy reform, stating that if China alone were to adopt a national harm reduction framework, up to 30 million lives could be saved over 30 years. He urged policymakers and the medical community to see harm reduction as a moral and scientific imperative. “This should be a wake-up call to policymakers,” he said. “We are fighting the good fight. We’re looking at harm reduction, and we’re looking for people to have a better quality of life.”

  • Survey: Most Policy Experts Misidentify Nicotine Risks

    Survey: Most Policy Experts Misidentify Nicotine Risks

    A new multi-market survey of policy experts across 15 different territories reveals that erroneous perceptions of nicotine health risks continue to persist, despite both the growing scientific consensus that nicotine is not a primary cause of smoking-related disease and the increased availability of smokeless alternatives to conventional cigarettes, according to BAT.

    The survey, commissioned by British American Tobacco (BAT) and released ahead of the start of this year’s GTNF in Brussels this week, reveals that seven in 10 policy experts continue to incorrectly believe nicotine is the main cause of smoking-related disease.

    In addition, the research—which interviewed three cohorts (Nicotine Users; Policy Experts; and Medical Professionals) in 2024 and 2025—also found that while half of medical professionals discussed smokeless alternatives to cigarettes weekly with their patients, only 21% feel well-informed enough to recommend them.

    Kingsley Wheaton, Chief Corporate Officer at BAT, said: “This survey shows that while change is possible, it’s not a given. We’re seeing green shoots of progress, especially where we’ve launched new product innovations and invested in clear, science-led communication. But the data also tells us we must go further and faster and equip those making decisions with the latest scientific evidence about smokeless products.

    “We remain committed to working with public health authorities, regulators and scientists to ensure accurate information reaches consumers.”

    Conducted by a third party on behalf of BAT, the research did show indications of improved perception of smokeless products, in particular vapor products among nicotine users.

  • Bloomberg Reports on Uncertain Future of FDA Nicotine Rule

    Bloomberg Reports on Uncertain Future of FDA Nicotine Rule

    Bloomberg Law reports that the Biden-era FDA proposal to slash nicotine levels in cigarettes faces uncertainty after being excluded from a key regulatory agenda under the Trump administration. Yesterday’s article, titled “Tobacco Industry Fights Biden’s Proposed Cigarette Nicotine Cut,” highlights nearly 5,000 public comments showing a split between industry opposition, citing economic and legal concerns, and public health advocates supporting the rule as a critical step to reduce smoking.

    The piece details how cigarette makers argued the proposed nicotine standard is technically and legally unachievable, while experts say the FDA has the authority to issue the rule without reducing nicotine to zero. The report includes commentary from former FDA officials, attorneys, and tobacco control researchers.

  • Altria and KT&G Partner in Pursuit of Modern Nicotine Growth

    Altria and KT&G Partner in Pursuit of Modern Nicotine Growth

    Altria Group, Inc. and KT&G Corporation announced they have signed a non-binding global collaboration memorandum of understanding (MOU) “to pursue joint growth opportunities in modern oral nicotine, non-nicotine wellness products, and operational efficiency in traditional tobacco.” The partnership builds on Altria’s long-term goal of expanding into adjacent international categories beyond cigarettes, first outlined in 2023.

    The companies said their complementary strengths would accelerate innovation and market expansion. As an initial step, an Altria subsidiary will acquire an ownership interest in Sweden-based Another Snus Factory (ASF), concurrent with KT&G’s purchase of the company, giving both parties a foothold in the LOOP nicotine pouch brand. They also plan to evaluate ways to expand Altria’s on! and on! PLUS oral nicotine products to select markets.

    Beyond nicotine, the collaboration extends into the U.S. wellness and energy space through Altria and KT&G’s Korea Ginseng Corporation, which will jointly explore new product opportunities. The two firms will also work to improve operational efficiency in traditional tobacco businesses, with the aim of strengthening competitiveness and creating transferable capabilities for future international smoke-free ventures.

  • CAPHRA: Facts, Not Myths, Must Guide Harm Reduction

    CAPHRA: Facts, Not Myths, Must Guide Harm Reduction

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) released a new white paper, “Understanding Nicotine: The Facts, Not the Myths,” warning that persistent misinformation about nicotine is undermining global efforts to reduce smoking-related harm.

    “Nicotine is not what causes cancer or heart disease. It’s the toxic smoke from burning tobacco that kills,” said Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA. “Decades of fear-based messaging have confused the public and even health professionals.”

    CAPHRA’s research highlights that over 60% of smokers still mistakenly believe nicotine is the primary cause of cancer, discouraging them from switching to vastly safer smoke-free alternatives like vapes, nicotine pouches, patches, and gums.

    The white paper emphasizes that while nicotine can lead to dependence, its use in non-combustible forms carries only a fraction of the risk associated with smoking. CAPHRA urges governments to embrace risk-proportionate policies and stop demonizing nicotine.

    “It’s time to move beyond outdated myths and focus on harm reduction strategies that save lives,” Loucas said. “Public health policies must be grounded in science, not stigma.”

  • 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.

  • Dutch Switching Focus from Tobacco to Nicotine 

    Dutch Switching Focus from Tobacco to Nicotine 

    The nicotine content in some tobacco-free smoking products is 18 to 25 times the maximum advisory amount for tobacco products, Dutch health institute RIVM concluded following an investigation on behalf of the health ministry. As the EU has no official regulations in place for nicotine limits in tobacco-free products, the RIVM is recommending the limit be the same as the existing limits for tobacco products.

    Esther Croes, an expert on tobacco at public health institute Trimbos, said strict regulations are needed for products that contain nicotine but no tobacco, and is calling for a ban on new nicotine products entering the market.

    “Manufacturers have done this before, as with Swedish snus,” she said. “That also used no tobacco, but cellulose with nicotine. Tomorrow they will use something else. We have already seen nicotine-infused toothpicks. None of this falls under tobacco legislation.” 

  • Survey: Two-Thirds of U.S. Healthcare Practitioners are Mistaken About Nicotine

    Survey: Two-Thirds of U.S. Healthcare Practitioners are Mistaken About Nicotine

    A new survey, funded by Philip Morris International’s U.S. affiliates (PMI U.S.), has found that 47% of U.S. healthcare practitioners—rising to 59% among medical professionals who indicate that half or more of their patients smoke cigarettes—mistakenly believe nicotine is a carcinogen, despite scientific consensus that the harms of smoking primarily stem not from nicotine but from the burning of tobacco. Another 19% are unsure. Practitioners surveyed generally agree that smoke-free products—such as nicotine pouches and other noncombustible alternatives— are addictive and not risk free but still pose less risk than cigarettes. However, the survey results also show that misconceptions about nicotine persist and are obstructing progress on tobacco harm reduction.

    Povaddo LLC fielded the survey among 1,565 medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and mental health practitioners, across the United States between March 10 and April 5, 2025. The survey results highlighted that:

    Despite decades of research as part of tobacco control efforts, misconceptions about nicotine are pervasive among healthcare professionals and others. The survey findings demonstrate an urgent need for healthcare regulators to provide unbiased, scientifically substantiated information about nicotine and nicotine products to the healthcare community. Many clinicians report uncertainty about which products are FDA-authorized and point to a lack of up-to-date information as barriers to more frequent and informed patient guidance regarding authorized smoke-free products. This is critical at a time when an estimated 480,000 Americans die each year from smoking-related illnesses.

    “Healthcare professionals are at the heart of patient care and need reliable, science-based information to help their patients make informed choices,” said Stacey Kennedy, CEO of PMI U.S. “These findings reinforce the urgent need for transparent, evidence-driven communication from the FDA and other health authorities about the full spectrum of tobacco and nicotine products. We encourage the agency to provide timely, scientifically validated guidance to healthcare practitioners on FDA-authorized smoke-free alternatives. Ensuring clinicians have access to accurate information is essential to help adults 21+ who smoke make better choices and improve public health.”

    This need for clear, science-based information is especially urgent given the survey’s findings about persistent misconceptions within the medical community that may result in incomplete or inaccurate information being shared with patients.

    “One of the most striking findings from this research is the prevalence of misinformation about nicotine—even among otherwise well-informed healthcare professionals,” said Matt Holman, vice president of U.S. scientific engagement and regulatory strategy at PMI U.S. and former director of the Office of Science at the FDA. “Addressing these misconceptions with robust, evidence-based communication from authorities like the FDA is crucial to helping providers guide their patients and support harm reduction.”

    PMI has invested more than $14 billion globally in innovative smoke-free products and remains committed to giving adults 21+ access to FDA-authorized better alternatives.

    Read the full findings of the Tobacco Harm Reduction: U.S. Medical Professionals Survey (2025) at https://www.pmi.com/us/medical-professionals-see-greater-role-for-FDA. Access PMI’s science at www.pmiscience.com and fact sheet on nicotine here.