Chinese vape companies explore nicotine substitutes amid health concerns
Three major Chinese vape manufacturers are delving into research on nicotine-like chemicals as potential substitutes for nicotine in vaping products. Executives from Hangsen International Group, Zinwi Biotech, and Smoore International have expressed the need for extensive investigation into the health implications of these chemicals, a process that may take years.
One chemical under scrutiny is 6-methyl nicotine, a lab-created compound that shares a similar structure to nicotine. This substance is already being used in some U.S. vaping products. However, health regulators and researchers have raised alarms, suggesting that 6-methyl nicotine might be more potent and addictive than nicotine itself.
Eve Wang, executive director at Smoore, emphasized the company’s cautious approach. “Smoore will not rush it,” she stated in an interview with Reuters, highlighting that a specialized team is dedicated to studying these so-called nicotine analogs to better understand their effects and mechanisms. “We should take it in the same way as medicinal products, to really understand the health impacts before we commercialize… I think that will take years of research,” she added.
At the 2024 Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF) in Athens, Greece, representatives from Hangsen International and Zinwi Biotech echoed Wang’s sentiments. Yu Kang, head of Hangsen’s Research Institute, noted that the company is examining around ten nicotine analogs, including 6-methyl nicotine. Haley Xu, from Zinwi, confirmed similar research efforts, stressing the importance of ensuring safety before introducing any new products.
As the vaping industry continues to evolve, the potential introduction of nicotine substitutes raises significant questions about consumer safety and regulatory oversight. The companies are committed to a careful and deliberate approach, underscoring the importance of thorough research in this burgeoning field.
