Stories

Philip Morris International Inc. is launching IQOS in Austin as a new way to help smokers quit by heating tobacco, reducing harmful chemicals intake. This smokeless product releases nicotine through an aerosol, claiming a high success rate in quitting smoking. Although similar to e-cigarettes, it's the first to directly heat tobacco in the U.S. IQOS will not target anyone under 21 and research shows minimal uptake by non-smokers. The company will conduct research in Austin before making the product available to the public, aiming to provide a better alternative for existing nicotine users.

French consumer vaping organization, SOVAPE, will dissolve after facing challenges from industry restrictions, accusations of ties to tobacco, and attacks on its mission. Established in 2016 and known for its Vape Summits, SOVAPE conducted surveys on vaping, but was recently barred due to conflicts of interest. The organization cited censorship and misinformation as reasons for its closure and will donate remaining funds to health-related institutes. Expressing disappointment at the inability to continue advocating for harm reduction, SOVAPE will preserve its online presence but cease its active fight for safer smoking alternatives.

Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking, producing vapor by heating e-liquid. This paper examines the gap between the perceived safety of e-liquids and emerging evidence of their harmful effects when inhaled, focusing on the public health implications. A three-layer systematic review was conducted using PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The review covered the impact of vaping on lung function, the effects on lung structure and potential lung injury, and the physiopathological effects, including possible carcinogenic risks associated with vaping.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) expressed concern that the proposed legal limit for nicotine content in nicotine pouches, set at 16.6 mg per gram in the latest government proposal, is too high. THL's Senior Specialist, Otto Ruokolainen, highlighted that other Nordic countries, like Sweden, are considering stricter limits, with Sweden proposing a cap of 12 mg per gram.

The recent findings reveal an increase in tobacco product experimentation among 10- to 11-year-olds. Additionally, a study showed that one in four primary school students has tried cigarettes or e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes serve as a gateway to addiction for 7 out of 10 teenagers.

Canada's Minister for Health wants to ban nicotine pouches but how easy will it be to shut down the booming black market? In Part 2 of our Canada special, Maria Pappaioannoy talks to Joanna Junak about the difficulties THR advocates are facing in Canada, and why Rights for Vapers now advocates for all safer alternatives to smoking.

In this episode of the WVA Podcast, Michael, the WVA Director sits down with Dr. McGovern, a renowned expert in dependency treatment with over two decades of experience. Dr. McGovern, who qualified in Medicine from Trinity College Dublin and is the Clinical Lead for the HSE Addiction Services in Louth Meath & The Midlands, brings his extensive knowledge on substance misuse and harm reduction to the conversation. As Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic and a member of the International Doctors for Healthy Drug Policies, Dr. McGovern advocates for sensible harm reduction alternatives.

Perham Gorji, formerly a government lawyer at the Food and Drug Administration, shifted to a high-paying role at DLA Piper. Specializing in FDA regulations, he now represents clients like Philip Morris International seeking approval for products such as the IQOS tobacco device. Gorji's move reflects a common transition for D.C. lawyers, leveraging insider knowledge to navigate and potentially influence FDA policies.

Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. In the UK, with 6.4 million adult smokers, these products present significant opportunities for retailers. Patrik Hildingsson from Swedish Match provides insights and guidance on responsibly tapping into this market. Key points include the growth potential of nicotine pouches, the popularity of ZYN products, and advice for retailers in supporting adult smokers towards a smoke-free future.

The Polish government plans to extend excise tax to vapes and tobacco heating devices, aiming to align their prices more closely with traditional cigarettes. Led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Council of Ministers is likely to pass the legislation, despite the original idea of promoting vapes as a safer cigarette alternative by keeping them cheaper. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Finance increased tax rates on various tobacco products. Plans include further tax increases through 2027.