FDA authorizes ZYN nicotine pouches to claim reduced health risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) orders for 20 variants of ZYN nicotine pouches. This marks the first time the agency has granted such orders for nicotine pouches.

Under this authorization, Philip Morris International (via Swedish Match USA) is permitted to market the products with specific comparative health claims. The approved wording states: ‘Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.’

The FDA stated that its decision followed an extensive scientific review intended to provide adult tobacco users with science-based information regarding the relative harms of different products. The agency clarified that the ruling does not mean the products are harmless, nor does it classify them as medicines or smoking-cessation treatments.