We Speak Up in Favor of ZYN: MRTPs Explained

Every day we come to work at Northerner, we’re guided by our mission to reduce smoking-related harm and, every day, we make steady progress towards that. But on days like today, we’re excited to say our progress is even more pronounced. 

Northerner’s parent company, Haypp Group AB, has just submitted a public comment in support of the FDA’s review of ZYN nicotine pouch products under the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) pathway. This comes after the FDA invited feedback on pending applications ahead of a public hearing on January 22, 2026. 

We take a look at why this is a big deal for nicotine pouch users. 

To be classified as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the nicotine pouch manufacturer must prove through extensive documentation and scientific review that their products meet strict requirements.  

This involves: 

• • An existing Marketing Granted Order (MGO); 
  • Clinical studies and long-term epidemiological data of users; 
  • Consumer perception research;  
  • Evidence that ongoing efforts will be made to prevent youth access. 

If approved, it gives the manufacturer a basis to claim that their specific products reduce consumers' exposure to harmful chemicals or reduce their risk of tobacco-related disease compared to traditional smokeless tobacco or cigarettes. 

ZYN was granted an MGO in January 2025. Now all that’s left is a meeting with the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) to determine the FDA’s decision. 

• Decades of Experience: As a Swedish company, Haypp Group’s comment draws on a strong foundation of nicotine pouch use over in Scandinavia. For instance, did you know that Sweden has the lowest smoking rate in Europe? Only ~5% of adults smoke daily. 
  
  
• Tobacco Product Risk Continuum: Nicotine pouches are tobacco leaf-free and smoke-free, likely posing lower health risks than traditional tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes). If ZYN is authorized as a Modified Risk product, it would allow manufacturers to communicate this information more definitively to adult consumers. 
  
  
• Knowledge is Power: Make no mistake, nicotine is an addictive substance intended for adults only, but nicotine pouches are still largely misunderstood by society. In terms of risk, they’re in a completely different category to traditional smokeless tobacco and combustible products. We’re urging the FDA to support clear, evidence-based messaging around this category as a viable alternative for adults looking to quit their smoking habit. 
  
  
• Your Consumer Rights: We will always stand up for our customers and actively push for access to better alternatives in addition to more transparent information. Haypp Group’s public comment is just one of the ways we’re participating in the regulatory process and making (y)our voice heard.  

The FDA will consider all submitted comments before the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meets on January 22 to go through everything and make their final determination.  

This is the first hearing of its kind for nicotine pouches and could help shape the future of regulation and public health messaging in the US. 

Of course, we’ll keep you updated on the outcome of the FDA’s review and any changes that may affect your access to nicotine pouch products. Regardless of whether ZYN is granted MRTP status or not, we stand firm in our push for tobacco harm reduction and will continue to put our customers’ needs first.