FDA Plans Faster Vape, Nicotine Pouch Reviews

The FDA is reportedly preparing to revisit its 2021 rules for applications for new tobacco products, potentially simplifying scientific requirements and speeding reviews of vapes and nicotine pouches. The change could make it easier for more products, including flavored vapes, to receive marketing authorization, though the FDA has not confirmed the reported plans and authorization would not mean a product is harmless or approved as a smoking-cessation medicine. Charlie’s Holdings, a vaping-products company that has sought authorization for its products, welcomed the prospect of a streamlined process. Public-health concerns include youth access and nicotine addiction, as well as whether adult smokers switch completely: using vapes alongside cigarettes can maintain exposure to harmful smoke, and people who do not use nicotine should not start.