Nicotine alternatives in vapes may be even more addictive, FDA says

Nicotine alternatives used in vapes may be more potent and addictive than nicotine itself, though the scientific data remains incomplete, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and independent researchers (Source: “Exclusive: Nicotine-like chemicals in U.S. vapes may be more potent than nicotine, FDA says,” Reuters, May 29).

The synthetic substances - which have a chemical structure similar to that of nicotine - are not subject to U.S. tobacco and vaping regulations that are designed to control traditional nicotine, a highly addictive drug. That means manufacturers can sell vapes containing synthetic nicotine analogues such as 6-methyl nicotine in the United States without seeking authorization from the FDA -- a process that can be costly, time-consuming and is often unsuccessful.

Traditional nicotine found in many vapes and pouches is extracted from tobacco leaves. 6-methyl nicotine, in contrast, is made entirely in the lab using chemicals.

The FDA said it was considering the use of such synthetic compounds from an "agency-wide perspective" and would use all its resources to protect youth from products that may harm their health. As well as tobacco products, the FDA also regulates drugs, foods, cosmetics and more to ensure safety and efficacy.