Tobacco-free nicotine pouches (TFNP) are an emerging category of oral nicotine products. Since they do not combust or contain tobacco, they have fewer and substantially lower levels of harmful chemicals, consequently, TFNP have the potential to play a meaningful role in tobacco-harm reduction (THR) among cigarette and other tobacco product users.
In recent years, various brands of TFNP have been developed and marketed in many countries offering a satisfying alternative to cigarettes and traditional snus; however, due to their relative novelty and lack of long-term health data, many regulators are cautious about the introduction of TFNP.
Recently, Imperial Brands conducted a review of the scientific literature to consolidate the current body of evidence on these products and the potential role TFNP may have in reducing the health risks associated with tobacco smoking. Overall, findings indicate that TFNP have the potential to significantly contribute to THR efforts at the population level. Additionally, their use appears largely limited to current users of traditional tobacco products, with minimal uptake among youth. These findings are relevant as they can support the implementation of proportionate and evidence-based regulation which may benefit population level health.
Dr. Erika Grandolfo - Senior Medical and Scientific Affairs Officer at the Group Science & Regulatory Affairs Department of Imperial Brands (IMB). With four years at IMB, my role consists of identifying, evaluating, and advising on scientific and medical developments relevant to our entire product portfolio. I hold a Ph.D. in Veterinary Infectious Disease, obtained through a collaborative program between the University of Bari (Italy) and the University of Cambridge (UK), and a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from the University of Parma (Italy). My expertise spans from academic research, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and tobacco industry
