Nicotine pouches- a research and regulatory policy agenda to maximise public health benefits and minimise harms

Introduction:
This article discusses nicotine pouches, a new category of tobacco-free nicotine products that are being rapidly developed and marketed as consumer goods. The authors review the available data on these products and their harm reduction potential for reducing the disease and death burden from tobacco globally. They also identify research gaps in assessing the harm and benefit potential of nicotine pouches and suggest possible regulatory approaches.

Key Points:

* Nicotine pouches are a new category of tobacco-free nicotine products that are being rapidly developed and marketed as consumer goods.
* Nicotine pouches have the potential to reduce the disease and death burden from tobacco globally.
* There are research gaps in assessing the harm and benefit potential of nicotine pouches.
* Possible regulatory approaches to ensure that nicotine pouches do not lead to unintended consequences are suggested.
* Nicotine pouches should not be marketed to non-users, especially adolescents and young adults.
* The nicotine content and labeling of nicotine pouches should be regulated to prevent unintended consequences.
* More research is needed to assess the long-term health effects of nicotine pouches.
* Nicotine pouches should not be considered a cure for nicotine addiction, and users should be encouraged to quit nicotine use altogether.

Main Message:
Nicotine pouches have the potential to reduce the harm caused by tobacco use, but there are still many unknowns about their safety and effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to regulate the marketing, labeling, and nicotine content of nicotine pouches to prevent unintended consequences, especially among non-users, adolescents, and young adults. additionally, more research is needed to assess the long-term health effects of nicotine pouches. It is important to remember that nicotine pouches should not be considered a cure for nicotine addiction, and users should be encouraged to quit nicotine use altogether.

Patwardhan, S., & Fagerström, K. (2021). Nicotine pouches- a research and regulatory policy agenda to maximise public health benefits and minimise harms. qeios. https://doi.org/10.32388/L4TIaF.4