Philip Morris’ Swedish Match seeks General Snus risk claims update

The company states: “Experts from Swedish Match USA, Inc., an affiliate of Philip Morris International, presented to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, or TPSAC, on June 26, 2024. The committee, comprised of independent scientific researchers, provides regulatory guidance to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products. The half-day meeting was part of the FDA’s review of Swedish Match’s request to continue marketing General Snus products in the U.S. as Modified Risk Tobacco Products, and to expand permitted use of the reduced risk claim to reach, and transition, more legal-age smokers away from cigarettes. Initially granted by FDA in October 2019, Swedish Match can communicate to legal age consumers that “Using General Snus instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.” Currently that message is accessible only on the General Snus website. Swedish Match presented to the committee real-world evidence showing the claim is delivering on its promise to reduce harm to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population and should be renewed. In its renewal submission, Swedish Match is seeking to expand use to additional lawful marketing channels, such as point-of-sale display and direct mail to age-verified consumers.”