Initial Information on a Novel Nicotine Product

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This is the first study to assess the appeal and interest among adults in a new consumer tobacco product, ZYN. We also describe ZYN users, patterns of use, and reasons for use. Methods: Two data sets, consisting of a ZYN‐naive consumer panel (n = 5179) and ZYN users (n = 1266), were provided by Swedish Match North America. Descriptive, cross‐sectional analyses and logistic regression assessed the perceptions of and likelihood of buying ZYN in the consumer panel and the characteristics of ZYN users. Results: The majority of current smokeless tobacco (ST) users in the consumer panel found that ZYN was moderately‐extremely appealing, while never and former tobacco users indicated much less interest; the former were more likely to buy ZYN than other groups. The highest percentage of ZYN users were former tobacco users (43%); very few were never users (4%). The most popular reason for using ZYN was “Less harmful to my health than other tobacco products,” followed by “ease of use.” Discussion and Conclusions: Nonusers of tobacco had very little interest in ZYN. ST users are not only more interested and likely to buy ZYN than other tobacco users, they were the largest group of regular users. Scientific Significance: The first assessment of a new nicotine product, ZYN, suggests that current and former tobacco users may perceive ZYN as a reduced‐risk product. ZYN potentially could be used as a smoking/tobacco‐cessation aid based on reasons of current users. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)