EP4631366A1

EP4631366A1 - Smokeless article

Info

Publication number: EP4631366A1
Application number: EP24169047.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Current assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Priority date: 2024-04-08
Filing date: 2024-04-08
Publication date: 2025-10-15
Also published as: WO2025214846A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing an oral nicotine delivery (OND) formulation, the OND formulation comprising a water insoluble bulking agent and an active component comprising a complex of a sugar alcohol and nicotine. Methods of manufacturing the article and kits comprising the article are also described.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a smokeless article. In particular, the disclosure relates to a smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing a content which comprises nicotine for oral delivery. This disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing the smokeless article.

BACKGROUND

Smokeless articles are a suitable alternative to conventional cigarettes because they do not require heating for substance delivery to the user. Instead, smokeless articles rely on saliva to extract soluble substances, typically nicotine and/or flavours, from tobacco contained within the smokeless article.
Smokeless articles are placed in the mouth where saliva extracts the soluble element from the content contained within. Typically, the smokeless article is placed in the oral cavity, sublingually or in the oral vestibule (between the teeth and lips/cheeks). The user may assist extraction by oral manipulation, such as by chewing and/or sucking or pressing on the outside of the mouth to squeeze the pouch.
The above-described extraction and delivery process continues until the soluble element is depleted from the smokeless article. The smokeless article is then removed from the mouth and disposed of.
Some commercially available smokeless articles contain snuff. Snuff is smokeless tobacco made from ground or pulverised tobacco leaves. Snuff is available in dry form or wet (moist) form. Moist snuff may be referred to as snus. Two common varieties of snus are Scandinavian snus and American snus. Both varieties of snus are available in a loose form, but are often contained within a saliva permeable pouch.
There is a need for improved design of smokeless articles to enhance the user experience and improve the function of its constituent components.
The present disclosure has been devised in the light of the above considerations.

SUMMARY

At its most general, the present disclosure relates to a smokeless article e.g. an oral nicotine delivery (OND) article for oral use.
The present disclosure provides in a first aspect a smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing a content.
The smokeless article for oral consumption according to the present proposals comprises a pouch enclosing an oral nicotine delivery (OND) formulation, the OND formulation comprising a water insoluble bulking agent and an active component comprising a complex of a sugar alcohol and nicotine.
Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that sugar alcohols can be used to control or adjust the nicotine release of the smokeless article. The step of premixing the sugar alcohol with the nicotine to form a complex, absorbs the nicotine into the sugar alcohol, which can then be mixed with the rest of the pouch contents.
It is important that smokeless articles have a desirable nicotine release profile. Using a complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine may lead to nicotine being released at a faster rate than in the absence of the sugar alcohol or when the sugar alcohol and nicotine are included separately and not present as a complex. This is thought to be due to the relatively high solubility of sugar alcohols meaning that they dissolve easily in saliva leading to rapid release of nicotine from the complex.
Therefore, the smokeless articles according to the present invention may provide a more desirable user experience, e.g. stronger nicotine perception (e.g. nicotine "hit") to users, compared to other comparable smokeless articles comprising the same overall amount of nicotine (e.g. 10 mg). This is expected to lead to improved user perception of the product and improved overall user satisfaction.
The smokeless articles may have an active lifetime of from about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes. The release profile of nicotine from the smokeless article may involve an initial spike in the rate of nicotine release followed by a gradual tailing off of nicotine release rate over the active lifetime of the smokeless article. This is thought to lead to desirable nicotine perception for users.
From the perspective of overall user satisfaction, it is also important for the smokeless article to have a good overall mouthfeel. In particular, it is important for the nicotine smokeless article to have a fibrous mouthfeel which provides the smokeless article with bulk and allows users to squeeze against something when they squeeze the smokeless article in their mouths. A fibrous mouthfeel can result from the preferred use of a water insoluble natural fibres as the bulking agent in the smokeless article.
The complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine in the smokeless article may comprise from 10 to 20 wt.% nicotine, based on the total weight of the complex. It is believed that having a preferred nicotine content of between 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% in the complex means that the user has an improved nicotine perception (e.g. nicotine "hit), whilst still meaning that the complex can be handled and processed easily. Using a preferred nicotine content of between 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% means that the complex is a smooth free flowing powder. At higher percentages of nicotine, the complex may become more "wet", which may lead to difficulties handling the mixture during production and also issues with the nicotine absorbing into the bulking agent, which may affect the release profile.
As set out above the step of premixing the sugar alcohol with nicotine to form a complex, is thought to absorb the nicotine into the sugar alcohol, which can then be mixed with the rest of the pouch contents such as the fibrous bulking agent. The result being that the nicotine may be present mainly (e.g. >95wt% of the total nicotine content), or completely, in the complex with the sugar alcohol and not, or only minimally (e.g. <5wt% of the total nicotine content), absorbed into the fibrous bulking agent. This adjusts the release profile of the nicotine because release is primarily regulated by dissolution of the sugar alcohol rather than release of nicotine from a bulking agent, as is typical in some known products.
The present disclosure provides, in a second aspect, a method of manufacturing a smokeless article for oral consumption according to the present invention.
The method of manufacturing a smokeless article according to the present proposals comprises the steps of

(i) preparing a complex comprising a sugar alcohol and nicotine;
(ii) preparing a precursor blend which comprises a water insoluble bulking agent; followed by
(iii) mixing the precursor blend with the complex to form the OND formulation and filling the pouch with the OND formulation.

The method according to the present invention allows the efficient manufacture of a smokeless article according to the first aspect. The methods and products according to the present invention provide an improved or desired nicotine release profile while also providing a fibrous sensory perception, e.g. mouthfeel
As used herein, the term "oral consumption" is intended to refer to any oral administration route achieved by placing the smokeless article into the oral cavity. This includes, but is not limited to, buccal, sub-lingual, periodontal, gingival and ingestion.
The smokeless article is an oral nicotine delivery (OND) article when the active agent within the content comprises a nicotinic compound.
The smokeless article comprises a pouch enclosing a content, e.g. an OND formulation, wherein the content (including e.g. a nicotinic compound and non-tobacco plant material fibres) is completely enclosed by the pouch. The pouch is sealed to ensure that the content of the pouch does not scatter inside the mouth.
The smokeless article may have a mass of about 0.1 g to 5.0 g, such as about 0.5 g to about 4.0 g or about 1.0 g to about 3.0 g.
The smokeless article may have a length of about 30 mm, such as about 28 mm or 26 mm, a width of about 12 mm, such as about 10 mm or 8 mm, and a depth of about 5 mm, such as about 4 mm or 3 mm.
The smokeless article may have an active lifetime of about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes, such about 20 minutes to about 45 minutes, or about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes after being placed in the mouth. One advantage of the smokeless article according to the present invention may be a faster delivery of nicotine to the user in order to increase nicotine perception; this faster delivery may lead to a shorter relative active lifetime than comparable smokeless articles. The release profile of nicotine from the smokeless article may involve an initial spike in the rate of nicotine release followed by a gradual tailing off of nicotine release rate over the active lifetime of the smokeless article. This is thought to lead to desirable nicotine perception for users and an appreciable nicotine experience. As used herein, the term "active lifetime" is intended to refer to the amount of time after being placed in the mouth that the smokeless article provides the user with a perceptible taste and/or physiological experience. For example, for an article containing an active ingredient such as nicotine, the active lifetime may be defined as the in-use period of time in which 90%wt of the available pharmacologically active is released. In other words, the active lifetime may be the duration of time from insertion into the oral cavity for 90%wt of the total amount of nicotine pharmacologically active ingredient that is capable of being released during normal use to dissolve into the user's saliva and /or enter the user's bloodstream. It will therefore be appreciated that the active lifetime of a product may vary from user to user and for a user based on oral conditions, in particular extent of salivation. Nonetheless, the skilled person is able to mimic oral conditions to determine the active lifetime in one instance, which can be used as a comparison or analysis point.
The pouch may be formed from one or more materials. The pouch material may be formed from fiber, paper, cloth and fabric. The pouch material may be formed from one or more polymeric materials. The polymeric material may be selected from one or more of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene oxide (PEO) hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), pullulan, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, tragancanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, maltodextrin, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl copolymers, starch and gelatin.
The pouch is typically completely insoluble in saliva. Suitable insoluble pouch materials include, but are not limited to, fiber, paper, water-insoluble polymers, cloth and fabric. Suitable soluble pouch materials include, but are not limited to, water-soluble polymers such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).
The pouch may be formed by, for example, folding a single sheet on itself or bringing two or more sheets together and sealing the edges. The edges may initially be partially sealed to provide an open pouch in which the content (e.g. a nicotinic compound and non-tobacco plant material fibres) may be placed before completely sealing the pouch closed. The sheets may be the same thickness or different thicknesses.
The pouch is porous. In some examples, at least 50% of the pores have a diameter of 50 µm to 200 µm, such as 100 µm to 175 µm or 125 µm or 150 µm. In some examples, at least 50% of the pores have a diameter of at least 100 µm. For example, in some examples at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the pores have such diameters.
The pouch may be coloured or include markings, such as brand logos and text, to improve user perception. The pouch may be partially or completely coloured by a colourant.
The or each additional substance may individually be a biologically/pharmacologically active compound, pH stabilisers or adjusters, humectants, flavourants, fillers, preservatives, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders. The or each additional substance may be provided for more than one purpose.
The contents of the pouch (i.e. the ingredients, material and/or substances enclosed within the pouch) preferably occupies substantially all of the internal volume of the pouch. The contents may occupy 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the internal volume of the pouch. The contents may comprise a solid material to provide physical integrity, such as an organic material (e.g. plant material) or an inorganic material. Such solid materials may naturally or inherently contain one or more biologically/pharmacologically active compounds and/or additives.
Biologically/pharmacologically active compounds are provided to produce a pharmacological effect in the user. Suitable biologically/pharmacologically active compounds include the group consisting of: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opioids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing. Biologically/pharmacologically active compounds may also have additive properties.
The smokeless article according to the present invention comprises nicotine as a biologically active compound. The nicotine is present at least in part, and preferably mainly (e.g. >95wt% of the nicotine), or totally as a complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine.
The nicotine may be provided as a nicotine salt, a nicotine base, stabilized nicotine or mixtures thereof. Examples of nicotine salts include nicotine hydrochloride, nicotine dihydrochloride, nicotine monotartrate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine bitartrate dihydrate, nicotine sulfate, nicotine zinc chloride monohydrate and nicotine salicylate. Preferably, the nicotine is provided as the nicotine base. The nicotine base may be added as a liquid solution to the solid sugar alcohol.
Preferably, the smokeless article is tobacco free. In this way, the user may experience a similar or enhanced recreational/pharmaceutical effect as compared to conventional tobaccocontaining products without experiencing undesirable components inherent to tobacco (e.g. tobacco flavour).
In some examples the smokeless article comprises a complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine wherein the complex comprises from 5 to 35 wt.% nicotine, based on the total weight of the complex, preferably from 5 to 25 wt.% nicotine, more preferably from 10 to 25 wt.% nicotine, more preferably from 10 to 20 wt.% nicotine, more preferably from 10 to 15 wt.% nicotine. Most preferably about 10 wt.% nicotine. From the point of view of achieving desired processing properties the complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine is preferably a powder, for example a flowable powder. Having the complex present as a powder may also lower or minimise the absorption of the nicotine into the bulking agent. Such absorption of nicotine into other components of the pouch content (e.g. bulking agent) is preferably reduced or avoided because it could impair the desired release profile of the nicotine. Consequently, it is desirable to balance the amount of nicotine added with the amount of sugar alcohol and it is preferred not to go above the specific concentrations of nicotine specified in the ranges above when preparing the complex. Above these levels of nicotine the complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine may be "wet" in character or a liquid. Therefore, high levels of nicotine can lead to handling difficulties, impaired flow characteristics and allow a portion of the nicotine to become absorbed into the bulking agent.
In some embodiments, the total nicotine content in an individual pouch is from 1 to 20 mg, preferably from 5 to 15 mg, more preferably about 10 mg. Generally, the amount of nicotine determines the amount of sugar alcohol added to the smokeless article. For example, when 10 mg of nicotine is wanted in the final product and the complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine comprises 10 wt.% nicotine this involves adding 10 mg nicotine and 90 mg of the sugar alcohol.
The use of the term "complex" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to define a material in which the components are physically or chemically combined into a single composition of relatively, uniform composition. For example, in the present invention a complex of nicotine and a sugar alcohol may include the two components chemically bonded together or may include the nicotine absorbed onto/into the sugar alcohol to form a single composition. A complex as defined herein may be formed by a simple mixing process but does not include compositions in which the components do not interact in some manner.
Sugar alcohols may be provided to improve the release profile of the nicotine. As set out above, combining the sugar alcohol with nicotine leads to the formation of a solid complex. This then dissolves in saliva when the smokeless article is placed in the mouth of a user. It is believed that having a highly soluble sugar alcohol in a complex with nicotine means that the complex dissolves quickly in the mouth of a user leading to a relatively fast release of nicotine in the mouth, delivering the nicotine rapidly to the oral mucosa. Suitable sugar alcohols include xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, erthritol, isomalt, sorbitol, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, or a mixture thereof. Preferably the sugar alcohol is xylitol, mannitol and sorbitol or combinations thereof. Most preferably the sugar alcohol is sorbitol.
The complex of a sugar alcohol and nicotine is preferably a dry free flowing powder. It is believed that having the nicotine present in a complex with a sugar alcohol also leads to quicker release of the nicotine than simply adding nicotine directly into the OND formulation, as in the absence of the formation of a complex, the nicotine may become absorbed or trapped on the fibres of the bulking agent, which may lead to a slower or less desirable release of the nicotine.
The sugar alcohol and nicotine complex may form from 3 wt.% to 25 wt.% of the OND formulation, based on the total weight of the OND formulation, preferably from 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 20 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 17 wt.%, more preferably from 10 wt.% to 15 wt.%, most preferably about 14 wt.%. This specific amount of complex is enough to produce the desired nicotine experience, whilst also meaning that the desired amount of other components such as solvents and bulking agents can be included in the formulation to produce the desired mouthfeel.
Solvents may be provided in the OND formulation to improve the mouthfeel of the smokeless article and reduce the amount of saliva wetting required before the user experience begins. The addition of solvents to the precursor blend can also assist with the mixing of the components and ensure that a homogeneous coating of the bulking agent is achieved. Suitable solvents may be any solvent approved for use in food products in the UK and Europe, such as water, saline or water alcohol mixtures. Preferably the solvent is water.
The smokeless article according to the present invention also comprises a bulking agent. The bulking agent may provide physical integrity and may help to improve the mouthfeel of the smokeless article by making the smokeless article have a larger volume and feel soft in the mouth. It is believed that having only sugar alcohol and nicotine present in the smokeless article could deliver the nicotine too quickly leading to an unwanted and undesirable spike in nicotine levels, much higher than the levels required to provide the user with a pleasant experience. Therefore, having the bulking agent present can slow the release of nicotine meaning that an initial nicotine delivery is achieved, but that there is also a sustained release of nicotine over the active lifetime of the product. Furthermore, the presence of a bulking agent, particularly a fibrous bulking agent, provides other desirable user characteristics such as a fibrous feel akin to a tobacco-filled pouch.
The smokeless article may comprise from 30 wt.% to 60 wt.% bulking agent, based on the total weight of the OND formulation, preferably from 30 wt.% to 50wt.% bulking agent, more preferably from 35 wt.% to 45 wt.% bulking agent, most preferably from 35 wt.% to 40 wt.% bulking agent. This is a preferable amount of bulking agent to achieve a desired mouthfeel and user experience.
The bulking agent may be a fibrous material. In particular, the bulking agent may comprise or consist of plant fibres.
The plant fibres may be provided for physical integrity and may function as a natural source of substances such as, for example, biologically/pharmacologically active compounds, flavourants, pH stabilisers etc. The plant fibres may comprise at least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
Preferably, the bulking agent comprises or consist of one or more of wheat fibres, cellulose fibres, wood fibres, bamboo fibres, pine fibres and eucalyptus fibres.
In some cases, the bulking agent comprises or consists of wood and/or cellulose fibres.
In some preferred examples, the bulking agent comprises crystalline cellulose, such as microcrystalline cellulose. The microcrystalline cellulose may have an average particle size of 10-500 µm, for example 10-450 µm, 30-400 µm, 40-350 µm, 50-300 µm. In some embodiments, the microcrystalline cellulose has a particle size of about 200 µm. Optionally, the bulking agent comprises two or more different types of crystalline cellulose with different average particle sizes. For example, the bulking agent may comprise one type of crystalline cellulose with a particle size of from 30-100 µm and one type of crystalline cellulose with a particle size of from 150-300 µm.
In some cases, the bulking agent comprises or consists of bamboo and/or wheat fibres.
The bamboo fibres may have a particle size of 10-500 µm, for example 10-450 µm, 10-400 µm, 10-350 µm, 10-300 µm, 10-250 µm, 10-200 µm, 10-150 µm, 10-100 µm, 10-50 µm, 15-50 µm, 10-450 µm, 15-45 µm, 20-50 µm, 20-45 µm, 20-40 µm, or 25-35 µm. In some embodiments, the bamboo fibres have a particle size of about 30 µm.
In some embodiments, the bamboo fibres have a particle size of 15-500 µm, for example, 20-500 µm, 50-500 µm, 100-500 µm, 150-500 µm, 200-500 µm, 250-500 µm, 250-450 µm, 250-400 µm, 250-350 µm, 260-340 µm, 270-330 µm, 280-320 µm, 290-310 µm, or 295-305 µm. In some embodiments, the bamboo fibres have a particle size of about 300 µm.
In some embodiments, the bamboo fibres have a particle size of 30-300 µm.
The wheat fibres may have a particle size of 10-500 µm, for example 10-450 µm, 10-400 µm, 10-350 µm, 10-300 µm, 10-250 µm, 10-200 µm, 10-150 µm, 10-100 µm, 10-50 µm, 15-50 µm, 10-450 µm, 15-45 µm, 20-50 µm, 20-45 µm, 20-40 µm, or 25-35 µm. In some embodiments, the wheat fibres have a particle size of about 30 µm.
In some embodiments, the wheat fibres have a particle size of 15-500 µm, for example, 20-500 µm, 50-500 µm, 100-500 µm, 150-500 µm, 200-500 µm, 250-500 µm, 250-450 µm, 250-400 µm, 250-350 µm, 260-340 µm, 270-330 µm, 280-320 µm, 290-310 µm, or 295-305 µm. In some embodiments, the wheat fibres have a particle size of about 300 µm.
In some embodiments, the wheat fibres have a particle size of 30-300 µm.
As used herein, the term "particle size" when referring to fibres such as bamboo fibres, wheat fibres, or crystalline cellulose indicates the maximum size of the longest dimension of the fibres. For example, a particle size of 50 µm indicates that in the population of fibres, the maximum fibre length is 50 µm. Particles having the desired particle size may be obtained by passing a population of fibres through a sieve of corresponding mesh size. For example, to obtain fibres of particle size 300 µm (i.e. a maximum fibre length of 300 µm), a population of fibres are passed through a sieve with 300 µm diameter apertures in the mesh. In this way, fibres with a length of 300 µm or less pass through the mesh and fibres longer than 300 µm are retained by the mesh. The fibres which pass through the mesh may then be used in the smokeless article of the invention, having a particle size of 300 µm. Fibres of a desired particle size are also available from commercial suppliers such as Jelu-werk.
As used herein, the term "bamboo fibres" refers to natural fibres from plants of the Bambusoideae subfamily of the Poaceae family of grasses. The fibres may originate from any part of the plant, but in some embodiments may originate from the stem of the plant. The fibres may be obtained from commercial sources such as JELUCEL^® BF fibres sold by Jelu-werk, or may be prepared by grinding or milling plant material until fibres of the required particle size are obtained.
Optionally, the bulking agent may comprise a plant material, which may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above-mentioned tobaccos.
Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includes leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.
The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon).
The contents may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.
The sheet may have a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m², e.g. greater than or equal to 110 g/m² such as greater than or equal to 120 g/m². The sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m² e.g. less than or equal to 250 g/m² or less than or equal to 200 g/m². The sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m².
In cases where tobacco is included in the pouch filling composition, it may be included at a level of less than 5wt.%, in some cases less than 3 wt.%, such as less than 2wt.% of the total pouch filling.
pH stabilisers or adjusters (pH modifiers) may be provided to adjust the user experience and/or modify the bioavailability of a pharmacologically active compound. For instance, under acidic conditions, nicotine is protonated and does not readily cross mucous membranes. Examples of suitable pH stabilisers include ammonia, ammonium carbonate, sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate. These components may have a buffering action, which helps to maintain the pH at the desired level. The overall pH of the smokeless article is preferably pH 7 to pH 9, such as pH 7.25 to pH 8.75 or pH 7.5 to pH 8.5, most preferably around pH 8.
The overall pH of a smokeless article may be determined by, for example, (i) placing the smokeless article in 10 mL of distilled water (ii) agitating the mixture for at least 5 minutes and (iii) measuring the pH of the solution with a pH probe.
In some examples, the content comprises a pH modifier (e.g. sodium carbonate) in an amount of from 0 wt% to 1 wt%, for example from 0.01 wt% to 1 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.2 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.1 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.08 wt%, or from 0.01 wt% to 0.06 wt% based on the total weight of the content.
The pH modifier may have a lower limit of at least 0.01 % by weight of the contents such as at least 0.02 wt%, such as at least 0.03 wt%, such as at least 0.04 wt%, such as at least 0.05 wt%, or such as least 0.06 wt%.
Salts may be provided to maintain the osmolarity of the OND formulation within the smokeless article/pouch. Salts contribute to the overall positive user experience of the smokeless article, such as pleasant mouth feel. Examples of salts which may be used include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride.
Fillers may be provided to increase the volume of the smokeless article (e.g. by increasing the volume contained within the pouch and to strengthen the contents). Suitable fillers include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, corn starch, grains, lactose, polysaccharides (e.g. maltodextrin), polyols, sugars (e.g. dextrose), additional sugar alcohols (e.g. mannitol, xylitol, sorbitol), natural fibres (e.g. non-tobacco fibres), the filler content is 5 to 10 wt% of the contents e.g. around 6 to 9 wt%. Fillers may have additional functions, for example xylitol may also be added to provide a cooling mouth feel.
Flavouring compounds may be provided in solid or liquid form. Suitable flavouring compounds include coffee, eucalyptus, menthol, liquorice, peppermint, spearmint (e.g. cool blast), chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavouring compounds may be evenly dispersed throughout the contents or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the contents. As used herein, the term "flavouring compound" denotes a compound having a desirable taste, aroma or both.
In some examples, the content comprises one or more flavouring compounds (e.g. peppermint flavour) in an amount of from 0 wt% to 10 wt%, for example from 1 wt% to 10 wt%, from 1 wt% to 8 wt%, from 1 wt% to 6 wt%, or from 2 wt% to 6 wt% based on the total weight of the content.
Sweeteners may be provided to modify the user taste perception and, in particular, overcome bitter flavours that result from other substances. Suitable sweeteners include honey, sugar, brown sugar, glucose, fructose, sucrose, aspartame, xylitol, maltitol, saccharin sodium, glycyrrhizin tripotassium liquorice, jujube or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the sweetener is acesulfame K.
In some examples, the content comprises a sweetener (e.g. acesulfame K) in an amount of from 0 wt% to 1 wt%, for example from 0.01 wt% to 1 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.2 wt%, from 0.01 wt% to 0.1 wt%, or from 0.01 wt% to 0.08 wt% based on the total weight of the content.
The sweetener may have a lower limit of at least 0.01 % by weight of the contents such as at least 0.02 wt%, such as at least 0.03 wt%, such as at least 0.04 wt%, such as at least 0.05 wt%, or such as least 0.06 wt%.
Humectants may be provided to control moisture content thereby preventing the smokeless article from drying out during storage and reducing the amount of saliva wetting required before the user experience begins. Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g. propylene glycol (PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and glycerol such as vegetable glycerine (VG)) and their esters (e.g. glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). The humectant component may consist of a single humectant compound or may consist of two or more different humectant compounds.
The humectant may have a lower limit of at least 1 % by weight of the contents such as at least 2 wt%, such as at least 5 wt%, such as at least 10 wt%, such as at least 20 wt%, such as at least 30 wt%, or such as least 40 wt%.
The humectant may have an upper limit of at most 50% by weight of the contents, such as at most 40 wt%, such as at most 30 wt%, such as at most 20 wt%, such as at most 10 wt %, such as at most 5 wt %, or such as at most 2 wt%.
Preferably, the amount of humectant is 1 to 40 wt% of the contents, such as 2 to 20 wt% or 5 to 10 wt%.
Preferably, the OND has an overall amount of water of between 5 and 60 wt% based on the weight of the OND such as between 30 to 50 wt% or 35 to 45 wt%, for example 35 to 40 wt%.
Smokeless articles having a total moisture content of 10% or less are generally considered to be 'dry'. Smokeless articles having a total moisture content of 40% or more are generally considered to be `wet'.
Stabilisers are provided to prevent decomposition or degradation over time during storage by, for example, retarding oxidation or unwanted biological activity. Stabilisers may be selected from the group consisting of antioxidants including vitamin E, such as tocopherole, ascorbic acid, sodium pyrosulfite, butylhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetic acid and salts thereof; and preservatives including citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, sorbic acid and salts thereof.
Binders may be provided. Suitable binders include starches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum, organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid (sodium alginate), agar and pectins. In some embodiments the binder content is 5 to 10 wt% of the contents e.g. around 6 to 9 wt% or 7 to 8 wt%.
Colourants may be provided to modify the user impression of the smokeless article. Colourants include whitening agents. Colourants may be selected from one or more of common colourants such as curcumin (E100), turmeric (E100(ii)), riboflavin (E101), riboflavin-5'-phosphate (E101(ii)), tartrazine (E102), quinoline yellow (E104), riboflavin-5-sodium phosphate (E106), yellow 2G (E107), sunset yellow FCF (E110), carmine, cochineal (E120), azorubine (E122), amaranth (E123), ponceau 4R (E124), erythrosine (E127), red 2G (E128), allura red AC (E129), patent blue V (E131), indigotine (E132), brilliant blue FCF (E133), chlorophylls (E140), copper complexes of chlorophyll (E141), green S (E142), caramel (E150a-d), brilliant black BN (E151), carbon (E153), brown FK (E154), brown HT (E155), alfa-, beta- and gamma- carotene (E160a), annatto, bixin, norbixin (E160b), bell pepper (Paprika) extract (E160c), lycopene (E160d), beta-apo-8'-carotenal (E160e), ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (E160f), flavoxanthin (E161a), lutein (E161b), cryptoxanthin (E161c), rubixanthin (E161d), violaxanthin (E161e), rhodoxanthin (E161f), canthaxanthin (E1619), citranaxanthin (E161h), beetroot extract (E162), anthocyanins (E163), calcium carbonate (E170), titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxides (E172), aluminium (E173), silver (E174), gold (E175), lithol rubine BK (E180), tannins (E181). The amount of colourant may be up to about 3% by weight of the smokeless article, such as about 0.5% to about 2.5% or about 1% to about 2%.
Preferably, the smokeless article comprises a pouch enclosing an oral nicotine delivery (OND) formulation, the OND formulation comprising a water insoluble bulking agent and an active component comprising a complex of a sugar alcohol and nicotine, wherein the OND addition comprises a solvent, a salt, a pH modifier, a flavour extract, a filler and a sweetener.

Method

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a smokeless article for oral consumption according to the present invention. The method comprising the steps of

(i) preparing a complex comprising a sugar alcohol and nicotine;
(ii) preparing a precursor blend which comprises a water insoluble bulking agent; followed by
(iii) obtaining the smokeless article by mixing the precursor blend with the complex to form an OND formulation and filling a pouch with the OND formulation.

The preferred aspects referring to the smokeless article also refer to the method of manufacture.
Optionally, the method may involve blending a nicotinic substance, such as nicotine or nicotine salt, with a sugar alcohol in step (i) to form a complex.
As set out above, by blending the sugar alcohol and nicotinic substance together in a first step and then mixing this complex with the precursor blend a favourable nicotine release profile is achieved, meaning that smokeless articles produced according to the method of the present invention provide a stronger initial nicotine perception when consumed by the user.
The method according to the present invention may comprise preparing a precursor blend composition. In some examples, preparing the precursor blend composition comprises mixing together components of the precursor blend composition in high-shear mixing apparatus.
A suitable mixing apparatus may be known to the skilled person. One example of the mixing apparatus which may be used for powder blending is a Cube Mixer KB, which can be attached to an Erweka AR403 all-purpose system to provide mixing apparatus.
In some examples, preparing the precursor blend composition comprises mixing together two or more components selected from plant fibres, water, flavourant, sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, propylene glycol and sodium carbonate. In some examples, preparing the precursor blend composition comprises mixing together two or more components selected from plant fibres, water, flavourant, sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, propylene glycol and sodium carbonate in high-shear mixing apparatus.
In some examples, the precursor blend composition comprises or consists of: water, bulking agents, buffers, flavourants and sweeteners.
In some examples, step (ii) of preparing a precursor blend composition comprises adding each component of the precursor blend composition to a suitable mixer and mixing for a predetermined period of time. In some examples, mixing is continued until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. In some embodiments, step (ii) comprises first mixing the liquid components of the precursor blend composition together, before adding the mixed liquid components to the solid components while mixing, until a homogeneous composition is obtained.
In some examples mixing is performed in a mixer operating at 10-20 RPM, for example about 15 RPM.
Optionally, the method further comprises, a step between steps (ii) and (iii) above of blending the precursor blend composition with a lubricant prior to step (iii) of adding the content to a suitable pouch and sealing the pouch to form a smokeless article.
In some examples, the precursor blend composition does not contain any stearic acid or salts thereof. In some examples, the precursor blend composition does not contain any powdered lubricant materials.
In some examples, the precursor blend composition does not contain any source of nicotine.
In some examples, the precursor blend composition further comprises sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, propylene glycol and sodium carbonate.
The present invention also relates to the use of a complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine in an OND formulation for use in a smokeless article.

Kit

The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a plurality of the smokeless articles according to the present invention and a container.
The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended drawings in which like numerals denote like elements.

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a smokeless article.
Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a smokeless article.
Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a smokeless article.
Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a smokeless article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1 there is provided a first embodiment of a smokeless article 10 having a pouch 12 containing contents (OND powder formulation) 14. The pouch 12 is substantially rectangular. The pouch 12 is formed from a single sheet of material and is substantially filled by the contents 14. The pouch 12 has a seal 16 along each of the three edges where the inner face of the single sheet meets itself to seal the contents 14 in the pouch 12.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a smokeless article 10' having a pouch 12 containing contents (OND powder formulation) 14. The pouch 12 is substantially circular. The pouch 12 is formed from two opposing sheets of material and is substantially filled by the contents 14. The pouch has a circumferential seal 16 along the edges where the two opposing sheets of material meet to seal the contents 14 in the pouch 12.
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a smokeless article 10" that, like the first embodiment, has a pouch 12 made from a single sheet of material. However, one of the three seals 16' is formed by an overlap of the inner face and the outer face of the single sheet meet to seal the contents (OND powder formulation) 14 in the pouch 12. The remaining two seals at opposing ends of the pouch 12 are formed where the inner face of the single sheet meets itself.
Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a smokeless article 10‴ that comprises the third embodiment enclosed by outer pouch 12" having an outer contents 14" positioned in the space between the inner pouch 12' and the outer pouch 12". The outer pouch 12" also has a circumferential seal 16‴ to seal the outer contents 14" and inner pouch 12' in the outer pouch 12".
Use of the fourth embodiment begins when the smokeless article 10‴ is placed in the user's mouth where it is exposed to saliva. Saliva first permeates outer pouch 12" and dissolves and extracts the saliva soluble substances of outer contents 14". Upon leaving the outer pouch 12", the saliva soluble substances of outer contents 14" therefore provide the user with a first experience. Saliva subsequently further permeates the inner pouch 12' where it dissolves and extracts the saliva soluble substances of inner contents 14'. The saliva soluble substances of inner contents 14' therefore provide the user with a complimentary and secondary experience. When the extractable amount of saliva soluble substances in the inner contents 14' and outer contents 14" drops below perceivable levels the active lifetime of the smokeless article 10‴ has ended.
Before describing several examples implementing the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by specific construction details or process steps set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein could be embodied differently and/or be practiced or carried out in various alternative ways.
Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in the present specification.
Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
All examples implementing the present disclosure can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While particular examples have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the systems, apparatus, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concept(s). All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive concept(s) as defined by the appended claims.
The use of the term "a" or "an" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," as well as "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." As such, the terms "a," "an," and "the," as well as all singular terms, include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
The use of the term "or" in the present disclosure (including the claims) is used to mean an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive. For example, a condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated as incompatible, or the physics or otherwise of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such a combination, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement, especially ones where there is a beneficial effect in doing so. This is not limited to only any specified benefit, and instead may arise from an "ex post facto" benefit. This is to say that the combination of features is not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). Moreover, this also applies to the phrase "in one embodiment," "according to an embodiment," and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording and are not to be construed as limiting the following features to a separate embodiment to all other instances of the same or similar wording. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' embodiment(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all embodiments, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, the reference to "the" embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as nonlimiting to the claims.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Example 1 contained the following components:

Material	Purpose	%w/w
Nicotine	Active	1.4
Sorbitol	Carrier	12.6
Water	Solvent	38.77
Powdered cellulose	Bulking agent	28.16
Microcrystalline cellulose	Bulking agent	9.39
Sodium Chloride	Salt	2.0
Sodium Carbonate	pH Modifier	0.06
Flavour	Cooling Sensate	7.50
Sweetener	Sweetener	0.12
	Total	100.00

The composition of Example 1 was prepared using the following method (Protocol A):
1. 1. All the materials were dispensed into appropriately sized beakers using a 2 d.p. balance to determine the weights.
2. 2. The nicotine and sorbitol dispensed in the previous step were combined and mixed in a food processor until a homogeneous powder was produced.
3. 3. The remaining components were added to a food processor and mixed until the mixture was homogeneous.
4. 4. The complex of nicotine and sorbitol was then added into the food processor containing the mixture from step 3, whist the food processor was still running.
5. 5. The blend was transferred to a foil pouch for storage.

Claims

A smokeless article for oral consumption comprising a pouch enclosing an oral nicotine delivery (OND) formulation, the OND formulation comprising a water insoluble bulking agent and an active component comprising a complex of a sugar alcohol and nicotine.
The smokeless article according to claim 1, wherein the complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine comprises from 10 to 20 wt.% nicotine, based on the total weight of the complex.
The smokeless article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nicotine is admixed as nicotine base.
The smokeless article according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sugar alcohol is selected from the group consisting of xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol and combinations thereof.
The smokeless article according to claim 4, wherein the sugar alcohol is sorbitol.
The smokeless article according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bulking agent is a fiborous material.
The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bulking agent comprises or consists of plant fibres.
The smokeless article according to claim 7, wherein the bulking agent is selected from the group consisting of wheat fibres, cellulose fibres, wood fibres, bamboo fibres, pine fibres, eucalyptus fibres and combinations thereof.
The smokeless article according to claim 8, wherein the bulking agent comprises wood fibres and/or crystalline cellulose fibres.
The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the amount of the complex of sugar alcohol and nicotine in the OND formulation is from 10 wt.% to 15 wt.%.
The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the amount of bulking agent in the OND formulation is from 35 wt.% to 45 wt.%
The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the OND additionally comprises one or more component selected from salts, flavourants, fillers, humectants, solvents, stabilisers, binders, colourants, pH stabilisers or adjusters, flavouring compounds and sweetners.
The smokeless article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the total nicotine content is from 5 to 15 mg, preferably about 10 mg.
A method of manufacturing a smokeless article for oral consumption according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of:
(i) preparing a complex comprising a sugar alcohol and nicotine;

(ii) preparing a precursor blend which comprises a water insoluble bulking agent; followed by

(iii) mixing the precursor blend with the complex to form the OND formulation and filling the pouch with the OND formulation.
The method of manufacturing a smokeless article for oral consumption according to claim 14, wherein step (i) involves blending a nicotine salt with a sugar alcohol to form the complex.
A kit comprising a plurality of smokeless articles according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a container.