Pharmacokinetic Comparison of a Novel Non-tobacco-Based Nicotine Pouch (ZYN) With Conventional, Tobacco-Based Swedish Snus and American Moist Snuff.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Randomized crossover pharmacokinetic clinical trial
PubMed 32319528 · doi:10.1093/ntr/ntaa068
What was done
Researchers evaluated the single-dose pharmacokinetics and oral cavity nicotine extraction of non-tobacco nicotine pouches (ZYN) in a randomized crossover design across two parts. Part 1 compared ZYN 3 mg and 6 mg to 8 mg General snus. Part 2 compared ZYN 8 mg to 18 mg Longhorn Natural moist snuff and General 2 × 8 mg snus pouches. In vivo extraction amounts, extraction fractions, and systemic pharmacokinetic parameters (AUCinf, Cmax) were determined.
What was found
In Part 1, the AUCinf of ZYN 3 mg was 27% smaller and ZYN 6 mg was 34% larger than 8 mg General snus. Nicotine extraction was 1.5 mg for ZYN 3 mg, 3.5 mg for ZYN 6 mg, and 2.4 mg for General 8 mg, with extracted fractions significantly higher for ZYN (56% and 59%) versus General snus (32%). In Part 2, ZYN 8 mg yielded near-identical plasma nicotine curves, AUCinf, and Cmax to Longhorn 18 mg moist snuff. Total extracted nicotine was 3.8 mg for ZYN 8 mg, 3.0 mg for Longhorn 18 mg, and 5.0 mg for General 2 × 8 mg, corresponding to extraction fractions of 50% for ZYN 8 mg, 19% for Longhorn, and 33% for General 2 × 8 mg.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates that non-tobacco oral nicotine pouches deliver systemic nicotine as rapidly and to a similar extent as traditional smokeless tobacco products, while extracting a greater percentage of their total nicotine content.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose the sample size, participant demographics, or baseline nicotine use history. Only acute, single-dose exposure was assessed, leaving real-world ad libitum use, dependence liability, and chronic health outcomes unmeasured.
Cited by
- supports Zyn nicotine pouches contain sodium carbonate to raise pH and convert nicotine into its freebase form for enhanced gum absorption.