Research on Nicotine Alternatives for E-Cigarettes Raises Concerns

Sep.26.2024
Research on Nicotine Alternatives for E-Cigarettes Raises Concerns
Smoore International, Hangsen International Group, and Zinwi Biotech are researching nicotine-like chemicals for e-cigarettes, with health effects under scrutiny.

According to a report by Reuters on September 25th, executives from Smoore International, Hangsen International Group, and Zinwi Biotech have stated that they are researching nicotine-like chemical substances that could serve as alternatives to nicotine in products such as e-cigarettes. However, the health effects of these chemicals may require "several years" of investigation.


Previously, a chemical substance called 6-methyl nicotine has been manufactured in the laboratory with a chemical structure similar to nicotine, and is already being used in some e-cigarettes in the United States. However, regulatory agencies and researchers warn that it may be more potent and addictive than nicotine itself.


E-cigarette-liquid manufacturers Hangsen International Group, Zinwi Biotech, and Smoore International all stated that more research is needed to determine the safety of these chemicals.


Eve Wang, Executive Director of Smoore International, said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday (25th) that...


“Smoore will not act hastily.”


She stated that a small team at Smoore International is researching these chemical substances called nicotine analogues to understand how they work and their effects.


We should treat it like a drug, thoroughly understand its health impacts before commercializing it... I believe this will require many years of research.


The director of the Hengxin International Research Institute, Yu Kang, and the global communications manager of Zinwi Bio Technology, Haley Xu, stated that their companies are also researching such chemical substances.


Yu Kang stated at the 2024 Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF) held in Athens, Greece, that


We must be extremely careful and thoroughly evaluate whether and how to use them.


He said that Hengxin International is currently researching approximately 10 types of nicotine analogues, including 6-methyl nicotine.


Haley Xu stated that Zinwi Bio is also researching over 10 similar compounds and will ensure their safety before releasing any nicotine analog products.


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