Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro July 10, 2026
Harry’s Blog 132: “Zyn! Went The Strings Of My Heart” (with apologies to Judy Garland)
FDA approval of 20 nicotine pouch products is another step forward for tobacco harm reduction
The FDA in the U.S. has granted marketing authorisation for Zyn nicotine pouch products (five variations on mint plus five other flavours in two different strengths).
In its letter to PMI (who own Zyn manufacturers Swedish Match), the FDA wrote:
Based on our review of your MRTPAs [Modified Risk Tobacco Applications] we determined that the proposed modified risk tobacco products, …as actually used by consumers would significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole, taking into account both users of tobacco products and persons who do not currently use tobacco products. Therefore, we authorize marketing of the tobacco products as modified risk tobacco products with the following modified risk information – “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis”.
July 10, 2026 by clivebates.com
UK government intensifies anti-vaping, pro-smoking agenda
The UK risks sending smokers a dangerous message: cigarettes are familiar, but safer alternatives are suspect. Intensifying anti-vaping campaigns may feel protective, yet it can deepen confusion about relative risk and make switching less attractive. Adult smokers need accurate information, not fear-based communication that blurs the difference between smoke and vapour. Public health should be making the escape from cigarettes clearer, not cloudier.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
July 10, 2026 by weareinnovation.global
The TPD Revision and Europe’s Innovation Economy: A Review of the Evidence [Briefing Paper]
Europe’s review of the Tobacco Products Directive is not only a health policy question — it is also a test of whether regulation can keep pace with innovation. If lower-risk nicotine products are treated through the same restrictive lens as cigarettes, consumers may lose access to better alternatives while responsible businesses face unnecessary barriers. Evidence should guide the revision, not fear of new technology. A smarter framework would protect young people, support adult smokers who want to switch and allow innovation to reduce harm.
July 09, 2026 by quitlikesweden.org
For The First Time FDA Authorises Modified Risk Claims for Nicotine Pouches: A Milestone for International Public Health
For the first time, the FDA has authorised modified risk claims for nicotine pouches — a milestone that goes beyond one product category. It signals that regulators can recognise a basic public health principle: smoke-free products should not be treated as if they carry the same risks as cigarettes. Clear, evidence-based communication can help adult smokers understand where risk actually lies and make better decisions. International tobacco policy should learn from this shift and regulate nicotine according to harm, not habit.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
July 09, 2026 by gfn.tv
The future of tobacco control in Iberoamérica | #GFN26 Panel
Ibero-America stands at a turning point in tobacco control. The region can continue with policies that treat all nicotine products as the same, or it can build a more effective model based on risk, evidence and real-world outcomes. Smoking remains the central problem, and lower-risk alternatives should be part of the conversation rather than pushed to the margins. The future of tobacco control should be practical, transparent and focused on reducing disease — not simply controlling nicotine.
July 09, 2026 by worldvapersalliance.com
Congratulations, You Made Vaping Look Deadly
Media, politicians, and NGOs funded by Bloomberg have successfully spread misinformation about vaping, leading to a majority believing it is as harmful as smoking. This has caused confusion and made some switch back to smoking. Misinformation impacts public health, hindering harm reduction efforts. Despite evidence showing vaping is less harmful and a useful tool to quit smoking, misconceptions persist. The focus should be on real-world results, not anti-nicotine ideology. The alarming trend may lead to increased smoking rates. It is crucial to address misconceptions and promote accurate information to protect public health.
Blogs
Harry’s Blog 132: “Zyn! Went The Strings Of My Heart” (with apologies to Judy Garland)
FDA approval of 20 nicotine pouch products is another step forward for tobacco harm reduction
The FDA in the U.S. has granted marketing authorisation for Zyn nicotine pouch products (five variations on mint plus five other flavours in two different strengths).
In its letter to PMI (who own Zyn manufacturers Swedish Match), the FDA wrote:
Based on our review of your MRTPAs [Modified Risk Tobacco Applications] we determined that the proposed modified risk tobacco products, …as actually used by consumers would significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole, taking into account both users of tobacco products and persons who do not currently use tobacco products. Therefore, we authorize marketing of the tobacco products as modified risk tobacco products with the following modified risk information – “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis”.
Harry’s Blog 131: Hidden harms
New publications from K•A•C discuss the challenge of smoking in treatment services caring for those who are HIV positive or coping with drug problems.
Smoking rates among those who are HIV positive and those who use drugs (as well as those with mental health problems where there may well be overlap) are anything from two to four times higher than the general adult smoking rates of most developed countries. One study of those receiving opiate substitute treatment recorded a smoking prevalence rate of 85%. Why should this be?
Harry’s blog 130: Follow the science not the money
For the sake of public health, end virtue signalling about THR funding
I arrived into the world of tobacco harm reduction (THR) from drugs and HIV harm reduction in 2015. I was invited into KAC by two valued colleagues from my previous world who were perfectly up front (and have never hidden the fact) that the funding for the organisation came from the Foundation for a Smoke Free World which in turn was funded by Philip Morris International. And the reason that they were prepared to use this money to further the cause of THR was that no other prospective funders for a harm reduction project were interested. Nobody back in the day was excited by the fact that if you could separate nicotine use from combustion the relative risk was massively reduced and the potential health gains enormous.