Chemical characterization of tobacco-free "modern" oral nicotine pouches and their position on the toxicant and risk continuums

Introduction:
This article presents a chemical analysis of nicotine pouches (NPs), a new form of oral nicotine product, and compares their toxicant levels with those of snus and nicotine replacement therapy products (NRTs). The aim is to estimate the position of NPs on the tobacco/nicotine product continuums of toxicant delivery and risk.

Key points:

* NPs, snus, and NRTs were analyzed for 24-26 compounds applicable to oral tobacco, and their levels were compared.
* Of the compounds measured, 22 (NPs), 22 (lozenge NRT), 20 (gum NRT), and 11 (snus) were not quantifiable.
* Compared with snus, NPs had lower levels of 10 HPHCs and comparable/undetectable levels of a further 13.
* Across the product categories, NPs and NRTs had the lowest toxi-cant profiles and estimations of relative toxicant exposure.
* Based on the present chemical analysis and estimated exposure, use of NPs appears likely to expose users to lower levels of toxic compounds than Swedish snus.

Main message:
The study suggests that NPs should be placed close to NRTs on the tobacco/nicotine product toxicant-delivery continuum. However, further studies are needed to confirm this. The findings have implications for tobacco harm reduction, as NPs may offer reduced harm relative to cigarettes and snus. The results also highlight the potential for regulatory agencies to consider NPs as a reduced-risk nicotine delivery option.

Azzopardi, D., Liu, C., & Murphy, J. (2022). Chemical characterization of tobacco-free “modern” oral nicotine pouches and their position on the toxicant and risk continuums. Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 45(5), 2246–2254. https://doi.org/10.1080/01480545.2021.1925691