TIM Alerts
Tobacco Industry Marketing (TIM) Alerts provide weekly newsletters to subscribers to keep up to date with tobacco industry marketing and emerging tobacco products. Below are excerpts from the five most recent TIM Alerts. To see an archive of all previous alerts, click here.
Excerpt from the Jul 17, 2026 TIM Alert
MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS
According to the brand’s Instagram, Rogue MAX is now available in Blue Raspberry flavor in select stores only, which includes online retailers like Nicokick and Northerner. There are currently no PMTAs for Rogue or Rogue MAX. Rogue’s website states that “all filings required to market and sell Rogue have been or will be made with the FDA.”
MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS
FRE nicotine pouches announced via email that the brand now offers a rewards program through their website. The program offers discount coupons and prizes in exchange for points earned from purchases, reviews, and referrals. As a reminder, FRE appears to have been selected for FDA’s pilot program to streamline review of PMTAs for nicotine pouches. Although the pilot program was announced in September 2025, there are no PMTAs for FRE yet.
Excerpt from the Jul 10, 2026 TIM Alert
CIGARETTES
Kool recently announced via direct email that the brand is now present on Facebook and Instagram social media platforms, offering rewards points for new followers. A new ad for Kool also appeared in the Rolling Stone July/August 2026 issue, promoting both Kool and Kool Black. The last consumer-facing ad that Kool ran also appeared in Rolling Stone, in July 2025. Kool also partnered with Rolling Stone on several articles with musicians discussing nightlife in different cities.
CIGARS
Game has recently teased a new flavor on their website. The flavor is called Pacific Nectar, and it is described as having a “sun-kissed flavor with a west coast vibe.” It’s a limited-edition cigar that is coming soon, but the website has no time frame for its release.
Excerpt from the Jul 2, 2026 TIM Alert
CIGARETTES
A colleague from Penn State University alerted us to new special edition Camel cigarette “Hump Day” packs, which have a corresponding promotion where people are directed to the Camel website to play games and have the opportunity to win prizes.
MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS
On June 30, FDA issued modified risk granted orders for 20 ZYN nicotine pouches (ten flavors, each in 3mg and 6mg nicotine strengths). These products may now be marketed with the following risk modification claim: “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.” ZYN is the first nicotine pouch to have received a modified risk granted order.
Excerpt from the Jun 26, 2026 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Swisher Sweets announced in an email and on their website that the brand’s packaging is being “refreshed,” and the new look will be hitting stores soon.
ENDS
Geek Bar has promoted several World Cup-related posts on Instagram and their website. Besides promoting watch parties happening in Manchester, England, where the brand will presumably be present, Geek Bar is also running giveaways for game tickets and branded World Cup merch, “exclusive gear for true fans,” like bags and bottle openers.
Excerpt from the Jun 18, 2026 TIM Alert
CIGARS
Backwoods posted on Instagram about limited edition collaboration cigarillos with The Marathon Clothing, a streetwear company founded by rapper Nipsey Hussle.
ENDS
On Instagram, Geek Bar announced the release of the Meloso Max 2, an updated version of the Meloso Max model. The new model includes a screen display with battery and e-liquid levels, and increased e-liquid capacity (16mL, up from 12mL). The website lists 14 fruity and ice-based flavors. Geek Bar’s website claims that they “have submitted PMTAs to the FDA for our products, including no flavored products aside from tobacco and menthol pods.”