TIM Alerts

CIGARETTES

Philip Morris USA (parent company: Altria) recently launched a new line of Marlboro cigarettes, Marlboro Cowboy Cut, which is available in three varieties: Red, Gold, and Menthol. In their 2^nd Quarter and First Half Results webcast, Altria stated that Marlboro Cowboy Cut is intended to reach “value-sensitive Marlboro smokers” and has generated strong interest among premium cigarette smokers. An ad for Marlboro Cowboy Cut was spotted in a chain convenience store in New Jersey.

MODERN ORAL NICOTINE PRODUCTS

We recently identified the nicotine pouch brand ZSY. The brand has an account on Instagram that includes unique marketing that targets gamers, with hashtags like #Gamers, #eSports, and #GamingRoutine. The ad states that the pouches are a convenient way to “lock in.” ZSY does not have any PMTAs, and we were unable to identify any information about whether they have PMTAs under review.

CIGARS 

White Owl recently announced a new flavor on their website. The new flavor, Arctic Grape, is a limited-edition cigar.

ENDS 

Vuse announced in an email that the company changed the packaging for their Original Series pods. The new packaging features a photo of the pod, whereas the prior packaging did not. Vuse Golden Tobacco and Classic Tobacco pods received PMTAs in 2022. Vuse menthol pods received a marketing denial order (MDO) from FDA in 2023. Shortly after, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. (RJRV) an emergency administrative stay of enforcement, which put the MDO on hold. Later in 2024, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co. a permanent stay of enforcement on the FDA's MDO on Vuse menthol pods.

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.

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.

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.