The coronavirus pandemic has spurred new interest in products that help users of cigarettes and vaping products quit. Some public health agencies, including the FDA, have said smoking may worsen Covid-19 outcomes.
As Covid-19 adds urgency to smokers’ attempts to quit, a U.S. startup says it has a new way to help them kick the habit.
Respira Technologies Inc. plans to submit an inhaler device to the Food and Drug Administration by late 2021 for authorization as nicotine replacement therapy. The nebulizer, which converts nicotine to an aerosol, aims to disrupt an estimated $618 billion market dominated by decades-old gums and patches from pharma companies as well as tobacco companies’ more recent controversial cigarette alternatives.
The company, based in West Hollywood, California, says that the global pandemic has sparked new interest in quitting, and today’s users of vaping devices and e-cigarettes are in need of updated cessation products.
“The reality is we have folks who are addicted to nicotine who never tried combustible products before,” Chief Executive Officer Mario Danek said, referring to tobacco products that are burned like cigarettes and cigars. “They’re used to sleeker products, and we have that design.”
Tiffany Kary, Corinne Gretler – Economic Times – June 17, 2020.