Philip Morris Gets FDA Go Ahead to Market Zyn as Safer Than Cigarettes

By Kelly Cloonan

Philip Morris International received Food and Drug Administration approval that will allow it to market certain Zyn nicotine pouch products as less harmful than cigarettes.

The tobacco company said Tuesday the approval allows it to claim that 20 authorized Zyn products put users at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis compared to cigarettes.

The FDA's Modified Risk Tobacco Product orders for Zyn is the first time such orders have been granted to nicotine pouches, the company said.

Philip Morris said the FDA's decision will support access to information about the benefits of switching to Zyn from cigarettes for nicotine consumers in the U.S.

"Today's news ensures these adults have access to accurate, science-based information, including FDA-authorized evidence that switching from cigarettes to ZYN reduces the risk of smoking-related diseases like heart disease and lung cancer," Philip Morris's U.S. Chief Executive Officer Stacey Kennedy said.

Write to Kelly Cloonan at kelly.cloonan@wsj.com