From Nicotine Pouches to Soft Candy Forms: China Tobacco Hubei explores adjustable-release oral nicotine products

Aug.06
From Nicotine Pouches to Soft Candy Forms: China Tobacco Hubei explores adjustable-release oral nicotine products
China-based China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application covering an oral nicotine product and its preparation method. The patent proposes a soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product containing nicotine ingredients, gelling agents, sweeteners and alkaline pH regulators. Through formulation adjustments and homogeneous or dual-layer structures, the technology aims to achieve different nicotine release profiles. The filing reflects exploration of new oral nicotine product formats and controlled nicotine delivery approaches.

Key Points

  • China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. filed a patent application covering an oral nicotine product and its preparation method.
  • The patent proposes a soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product format.
  • The technology adjusts nicotine content and pH regulator levels to control nicotine release profiles.
  • A dual-layer structure is proposed to enable faster, moderate or slower nicotine release patterns.
  • The filing highlights exploration of new oral nicotine product formats beyond traditional nicotine pouch structures.

2Firsts

August 6, 2026

According to public records from China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. has filed a patent application covering an oral nicotine product and its preparation method.

The patent proposes a soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product, using formulation design and structural differentiation to achieve different nicotine release profiles.

The application, titled “An Oral Nicotine Product and Preparation Method Thereof,” was filed on June 11, 2026, and published as CN122439903A on July 24, 2026.

China Tobacco Hubei files patent for soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product

The patent application was filed by China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd. and falls within the field of smokeless tobacco products, focusing on product structures and preparation methods for oral nicotine products.

Patent information:

Item

Details

Applicant

China Tobacco Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd.

Patent title

An Oral Nicotine Product and Preparation Method Thereof

Application No.

CN202610843056.6

Publication No.

CN122439903A

Filing date

June 11, 2026

Publication date

July 24, 2026

Technology area

Smokeless tobacco products, oral nicotine products

The application describes a soft candy-shaped oral nicotine product containing nicotine ingredients, gelling agents, sweeteners and alkaline pH regulators. It proposes both homogeneous structures and dual-layer structures with different formulations.

Dual-layer structures designed to control nicotine release

A key feature of the patent is the use of structural design to influence nicotine release patterns.

According to the filing, the dual-layer structure consists of an inner layer and an outer layer, which may contain different levels of nicotine ingredients and/or pH regulators.

By adjusting the formulations of each layer, the patent proposes different release profiles:

  • Higher nicotine content and/or higher pH regulator levels in the outer layer for faster release;
  • Lower nicotine content and/or lower pH regulator levels in the outer layer for slower release;
  • Homogeneous structures for relatively consistent release.

The patent explains that alkaline pH regulators can influence nicotine forms in the oral environment, affecting nicotine release and absorption characteristics.

The approach focuses on controlling nicotine release profiles through formulation and structural design rather than simply increasing nicotine content.

Moving beyond nicotine pouches toward new oral nicotine formats

The patent notes that existing oral smokeless nicotine products mainly include nicotine pouches and oral dissolvable films.

The filing identifies potential limitations of existing formats, including possible oral discomfort caused by prolonged contact with pouch materials and the rapid release characteristics of dissolvable films.

To address these issues, the patent proposes a soft candy-shaped format that can be used through oral holding, chewing or sucking, allowing users to influence release behavior.

The filing also describes potential product forms using different molds, including spherical, heart-shaped, star-shaped and fruit-shaped designs.

From an industry perspective, the application reflects exploration of alternative oral nicotine formats beyond traditional nicotine pouches, as well as approaches for more controlled nicotine delivery.

China Tobacco Hubei explores oral nicotine product technology

The global nicotine products industry has continued to explore technologies related to nicotine delivery, product experience, and alternative consumption formats.

China Tobacco Hubei’s filing focuses on product structure and manufacturing methods for oral nicotine products, using soft candy forms and dual-layer formulations to create differentiated release characteristics.

The patent application represents a technical proposal and does not indicate that the product has been commercially launched.

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