FDA accelerates testing of nicotine pouches

Die Tabak Zeitung // The FDA is currently launching a pilot program to expeditiously review nicotine pouches from four tobacco companies, as the news agency “Reuters” has learned from meeting minutes.

The agency is thus responding to pressure from the Trump administration. The FDA plans to complete its review of products from Philip Morris, Altria, Reynolds American and Turning Point Brands by December. Until now, companies have often had to wait years for approvals. Philip Morris, for example, only received approval for Zyn after more than five years. The program includes products such as Zyn Ultra, Altria’s on!, Reynolds’ Velo Mini and Fre from Turning Point Brands.

The rapid review facilitates a quick market launch and clarifies legal uncertainties for products already sold, it is said. Nicotine pouches are the fastest growing tobacco product category in the USA. They are considered to be less risky, but interest groups such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids are calling for strict controls to protect young people.

An FDA representative does not currently see high use among adolescents. Philip Morris dominates the market with Zyn, with supply growth of 40 to 80 percent per quarter since 2023. Altria and Turning Point Brands welcomed the FDA initiative, Reynolds reportedly did not comment. The FDA is reviewing the products in a streamlined process that focuses on key data such as product composition and abuse potential.