Plasma Nicotine Pharmacokinetics of Oral Nicotine Pouches across Varying Flavours and Nicotine Content *

Introduction:
This text provides an overview of a clinical study examining the pharmacokinetics and product-liking of nine different nicotine pouches (NPs) among cigarette smokers. The study aims to understand the impact of nicotine content and flavors on nicotine delivery and consumer preference.

Key Points:

1. The randomized, crossover clinical study involved 42 participants who used nine different Velo NPs during 9 separate 45-min use sessions.
2. The study found that when participants used Velo Max NPs containing a higher nicotine content (7-mg), the increase in plasma nicotine concentration was greater compared to a Velo NP containing lower nicotine content (4-mg).
3. however, median Tmax values did not differ between the NPs with different nicotine content, and when participants used Velo Max NPs with the same 7-mg nicotine content but with different flavors, Cmax, aUCnic 0--180 , and Tmax were not significantly impacted.
4. Product-liking was similar across all Velo NPs assessed, regardless of nicotine content and flavor.
5. The study also notes that nicotine pharmacokinetics and subjective effects could be influenced by the physical design characteristics of NPs.
6. The findings suggest that NPs may be able to provide nicotine more efficiently than snus, a smokeless tobacco product considered to present a lower risk to users.
7. The study emphasizes the need for further research to better inform the tobacco harm reduction potential of NPs, including consumer behavior and daily nicotine exposure associated with NP use.

Main Message:
The study demonstrates that nicotine pouches can deliver nicotine efficiently and that flavors do not significantly impact nicotine uptake. These findings support the potential of NPs as an alternative form of nicotine delivery for current smokers. however, further studies are required to fully understand the tobacco harm reduction potential of NPs, including daily nicotine exposure and consumer behavior.

McEwan, Michael, Linsey Ellen haswell, Sarah Baxter-Wright, Filimon Meichanetzidis, Tao Jin, and George hardie. “Plasma Nicotine Pharmacokinetics of Oral Nicotine Pouches across Varying Flavours and Nicotine Content *.” Contributions to Tobacco & Nicotine Research 32, no. 4 (December 1, 2023): 130–39. https://doi.org/10.2478/cttr-2023-0016.