US FDA May Move to Speed Up Vape and Nicotine Pouch Reviews

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce measures that could speed up reviews of vaping products and nicotine pouches, according to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Reuters. The report says the agency may revisit requirements for new tobacco applications and consider simpler rules for scientific studies, but Reuters said it could not immediately verify the information.

Possible changes to FDA review rules

The FDA is expected to revisit a 2021 rule setting out requirements for applications for new tobacco products, the report said.

The agency could also simplify requirements for scientific studies and shorten review times. These changes could give regulators more flexibility over which products may receive authorization, according to the report.

The FDA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Pressure for a faster authorization process

Tobacco companies have for years urged US President Donald Trump and other officials to create a faster and clearer FDA authorization process.

Last month, the FDA authorized the marketing of three new JUUL2 e-cigarette products. The agency has said some authorized nicotine products may offer a better alternative to traditional cigarettes.

An HHS spokesperson said the Trump administration was committed to keeping nicotine away from children, removing counterfeit vaping products from the market and providing safer alternatives for adults who want to quit smoking cigarettes.

Youth vaping remains part of the policy debate

During Trump’s first term, his administration moved to remove flavored e-cigarettes from retail shelves. The measure was part of a wider effort to curb youth vaping, with officials warning that sweet flavors had attracted millions of children to nicotine.

Any changes to the FDA’s review process would therefore be considered alongside the administration’s stated focus on youth access, counterfeit products and alternatives for adults who smoke.