11:28 AM EDT, 09/08/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with Altria ( MO ) response in the fourth paragraph.)

Philip Morris ( PM ) , Altria ( MO ) , British American Tobacco ( BTI ) , and Turning Point Brands' ( TPB ) applications for nicotine pouches will be fast-tracked on a pilot basis by the US Food and Drug Administration starting today, Reuters reported Monday, citing meeting transcripts.

The report said the FDA is expected to complete the process of reviewing the pouches by December.

The pilot program could enable a much faster legal launch after the tobacco companies previously waited years for product approvals, Reuters added.

"This approach by the FDA is encouraging and would be a positive development for harm reduction," Altria ( MO ) said in a statement emailed to MT Newswires.

Philip Morris ( PM ), British American Tobacco ( BTI ), and Turning Point Brands ( TPB ) didn't immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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