Commissioned by Philip Morris International (PMI) and conducted by independent research firm Povaddo LLC, a nationwide survey of 1,565 U.S. healthcare professionals from March 10 to April 5, 2025, reveals that many in the medical community still hold misconceptions about nicotine, despite a shifting public health landscape.The sample included a diverse mix of medical roles:600 primary care physicians, 200 dentists, 150 psychiatrists, 115 nurses, 100 cardiologists, 100 oncologists, 100 pulmonologists, 100 licensed social care workers, and 100 mental health nurses.
✅ Nicotine is Still Widely Misunderstood
Although scientific consensus has long established that nicotine itself is not a carcinogen, 66% of healthcare professionals either incorrectly believe it causes cancer (47%) or are unsure (19%).
🏛 The FDA Is Seen as the Most Trusted Information Source
86% of respondents consider the FDA the most credible source of information on tobacco and nicotine products—well ahead of the CDC (69%).
93% believe the FDA should proactively communicate with medical professionals when a product is shown to significantly reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or COPD.
95% of those professionals say they would share this information with their patients if it came from the FDA.
This reinforces the importance of regulatory clarity and scientific consensus as a foundation for market acceptance of harm reduction products, such as Slapple.
Many healthcare professionals expressed the need for more precise scientific evidence and usage guidelines from the FDA in order to better counsel patients on low-risk nicotine alternatives.
As an innovative nicotine gum brand committed to harm reduction, Slapple believes that a foundation of scientific integrity, regulatory transparency, and professional engagement is essential to advancing a healthier future for all.
We will continue to closely follow regulatory developments and work toward delivering lower-risk alternatives that support public health and empower personal change.