WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Niconovum USA Inc. and other subsidiaries of Reynolds American Inc., including R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co., have entered into agreements with PinneyAssociates and its affiliate, JSR LLC, on products, regulations and policies related to smoking cessation and harm minimization.
Niconovum USA and Niconovum AB market nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively, under the Zonnic brand; R.J. Reynolds Vapor makes and markets Vuse electronic cigarettes.
Niconovum USA has purchased an option from JSR for patented nicotine replacement therapy product technology and will partner with the group on development of nicotine gum and other formats.
"We have reached a critical intersection in the rapidly evolving field of tobacco harm minimization in terms of product development and regulation. These steps with RAI's operating companies create a path to achieve improved nicotine replacement products for smokers, and implementing policies that encourage smokers to quit or use products that do not burn tobacco," said John Pinney, CEO of Bethesda, Md.-based PinneyAssociates and managing member of JSR LLC.
"PinneyAssociates will not engage in any consulting on combustible conventional cigarettes," he added.
Reynolds American bought Niconovum, which makes nicotine gum, pouches and spray products, in 2009, said an Associated Press report. The maker of Camel and Pall Mall cigarettes is currently expanding its Zonnic brand nicotine gum nationwide, challenging the pharmaceutical industry's hold and pricing power of the market for products to help people stop smoking.
Pinney Associates has done extensive work for GlaxoSmithKline, the leading seller of nicotine gums, patches and other products that help people stop smoking. Its former employees include Mitch Zeller, who currently heads the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's tobacco regulatory efforts.
Reynolds is deepening it is position in the market as the FDA has said that it is safe to use nicotine replacement products for longer than previously thought, said AP.
Reynolds American, Winston-Salem, N.C., is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., the second-largest U.S. tobacco company with brands including Camel, Pall Mall, Winston, Kool, Doral, Salem, Misty and Capri; American Snuff Co. LLC, the nation's second-largest manufacturer of smokeless tobacco products, with brands including Grizzly and Kodiak; and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. Inc., which manufactures and markets Natural American Spirit 100% additive-free natural tobacco products; as well as Niconovum USA and R. J. Reynolds Vapor.
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