E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
DR NVEED CHAUDHARY
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC AND REGULATORY OFFICER AT BROUGHTON
There are several next-generation nicotine delivery products ( NGPs ) with an important role to play in achieving a smoke-free future . Modern oral nicotine pouches ( MONPs ) present an extraordinary opportunity to support tobacco harm reduction for adult smokers .
Sweden , the world ’ s most advanced nicotine pouch market , is the first country to have been designated smoke-free , with less than 5 % of smoking incidence in the population .
However , there are some current regulatory challenges that must be addressed . In the EU , MONPs are not classed as tobacco-related products and therefore do not fall into the EU-wide ban on oral tobacco products . They fall into a regulatory void , allowing under-18s to purchase them legally . A lack of regulation on nicotine pouches risks leading to colourful packaging , inappropriate flavours and marketing directed at youth .
If youth use becomes an issue , the easiest action for UK regulators to take is to categorise nicotine pouches in the same way as oral tobacco products like Snus – rendering them illegal . Swift regulatory action is needed to keep these products available for tobacco harm reduction and avoid MONPs falling into the same traps as disposable vapes .
Non-heated vape technologies could also play an important role in helping smokers quit . Most consumer vapes rely on traditional coil and wick technology , which is prone to dosage inconsistency caused by various factors , such as variation in battery life , power delivery , and temperature , to highlight a few .
Emerging electronic nicotine delivery systems ( ENDS ) based on non-heated technology can significantly improve delivered dose uniformity ( DDU ) and therefore open options for approval via the medicinal marketing authorisation application ( MAA ) pathway more likely .
Once a device is approved via this pathway , it can be prescribed by the NHS as a nicotine replacement therapy .
One example of non-heated vape technology is those encompassing ultrasound sonication of e-liquids to create an aerosol , similar to the technology used in medical nebulizers . The droplet size and dosage can be predefined through the dimensions of a mesh , allowing for uniformity in the vapour .
IF YOUTH USE BECOMES AN ISSUE , THE EASIEST ACTION FOR UK REGULATORS TO TAKE IS TO CATEGORISE NICOTINE POUCHES IN THE SAME WAY AS ORAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS LIKE SNUS – RENDERING THEM ILLEGAL .
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