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

Nicotine extracted from tobacco and purified from other constituents can be delivered in the form of nicotine replacement products for helping people move away from tobacco dependence. Nicotine pouches to be put under the upper lip are one such new category of products that are being rapidly developed and marketed as consumer goods with little research or regulatory oversight. We review the available data on these products and their harm reduction potential for reducing the disease and death burden from tobacco globally. Finally, we have identified research gaps in assessing their harm and benefit potential, and possible regulatory approaches to ensure that these products do not lead to unintended consequences.