Patent Description:
Nicotine-loaded tobacco-free or low-tobacco pouches are replacement products that can help to alleviate cravings associated with smoking cigarettes, cigars, or other nicotine delivery products. When smoking cigarettes or using nicotine-delivery systems based on inhalation, i.e., so-called vaping, nicotine vapor is quickly absorbed through the lungs into the blood stream, reaching the brain within ten seconds of inhalation. The latter produces a feeling of almost instantaneous satisfaction, that lasts also some time after smoking/inhalation.

Nicotine-loaded tobacco-free or low-tobacco pouches are intended for use in the mouth by placing the pouch under the lip, thereby enabling the release and absorption of nicotine through oral mucosa. The pouches typically comprise a saliva permeable membrane material and contain particulate filler materials, nicotine or nicotine derivatives and other ingredients such as flavourings. The particulate materials may comprise inter alia polysaccharide or cellulose materials.

Nicotine is an alkaloid, which was traditionally derived from tobacco leaves but may now also be provided in a fully synthetic form. It is available both as a free-base nicotine and in the form of different nicotine salts that are produced from the interaction between nicotine and an acid. Common nicotine salts include chloride, sulfate, benzoate, tartrate salts.

It is known to provide tobacco-free or low-tobacco pouches where nicotine is provided in salt form in a powder formulation. The provision of nicotine salts in such formulations is deployed in part because of the high degree of stability of the system toward chemical degradation and/or evaporation.

In order to provide the egress of free base nicotine from formulations involving nicotine salts, the formulations contain significant quantities of buffering salts to increase the alkalinity of the formulation. Increased alkalinity shifts the dissociation constant of the nicotine such that the free base form is made in solution (such as in the mouth of the user) from the ionic form of nicotine in the salts. The uncharged free-base nicotine exhibits enhanced permeability across the oral mucosa into the blood stream compared to its ionic form, which is critical for consumer use.

In particular, the pH of nicotine-loaded tobacco-free pouches ranges typically between <NUM> and <NUM>, which translates into undissociated free-base nicotine levels between <NUM> to <NUM> %, respectively (<NPL>).

It follows that nicotine salt formulations tend to feature a low moisture content, i.e. less than 10wt%. (such as <NUM>-<NUM> wt%). This is because higher moisture content would stimulate the formation of free base nicotine in situ, which would in turn reduce the stability of the product because free base nicotine is volatile and labile to oxidative degradation. When nicotine oxidises it produces a yellow-brown coloration which is often unappealing to consumers and also produces an unpleasant taste. Indeed, some formulations involve large quantities of sweetener (such as maltitol) to stimulate salivation. However the overproduction of saliva tends to result in users spitting or swallowing, impacting nicotine uptake. Moreover, degradation of the product is indicative of reactivity in the system which may result in the presence of undesired (and potentially toxic) compounds.

These requirements provide problems for the user. Formulations which have low moisture content can feel hard and unpalatable when in use, while high alkalinity (especially a pH greater than about <NUM>) can be irritating to the gums of the user. In contrast, moist nicotine products show enhanced palatability, i.e., soft and pleasant mouthfeel, when used in the mouth.

Nicotine loaded pouches containing free-base nicotine products have been provided with moisture levels on upwards of <NUM> wt%. However, formulations of this type require stabilization to act against degradation of the nicotine and also require components to prevent moisture loss upon storage. As such, moist free base nicotine products tend to require the use of a greater number and quantity of additives than those containing nicotine salts.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose compositions of free-base nicotine that can be stabilized using a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate (e.g., Protanal LFR <NUM>/<NUM>). The amount of sodium alginate used as a stabilizer is substantial, typically corresponding to nicotine:Protanal <NUM>:<NUM> ratio (wt). <CIT> discloses a composition of free-base nicotine wherein the latter is stabilized using an ion exchange resin, e.g., polacrilex resin, such as Amberlite IRP64 (methacrylic acid polymer with divinylbenzene, or potassium salt of the latter). The amount of polacrilex resin used as a nicotine stabilizer is in a nicotine-to-resin ratio which may vary between <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>. It is to be understood that polymers having some carboxylate groups are typically used to stabilise free-base nicotine.

<CIT> discloses an oral nicotine composition in the form of a snuff bag comprising a microcrystalline-nicotine carrier complex for improved nicotine release. Agar is disclosed as an alternative carrier.

<CIT> discloses a film composition comprising nicotine and agar and having a water content of <NUM> wt%. The film is for use in an aerosol-generating system. The agar is provided as a thickening agent.

<CIT> discloses a nicotine composition comprising non-aqueous solvent, water, nicotine and flavourant compounds for use in an aerosol-generating system. The nicotine composition may comprise agar as a gelling agent.

<CIT> discloses an oral composition comprising tobacco and orally compatible polymers such as cellulose and agar. Agar is used as a gelling agent to provide firmness and stability to the composition.

<NPL> discloses the influence of parameters on the release rates of nicotine from agar-based gel vehicles. Agar is used to provide gel properties to ion-exchange resins.

To prevent the loss of moisture in free-base nicotine formulations upon storage, it is common to use humectants such as sugar alcohols. <CIT> discloses several compositions of free-base nicotine with polacrilex resin having a moisture content above <NUM>%, most commonly around <NUM>%. The humectants of choice include sugar alcohols from glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, alginate, pectin, xanthan gum, modified starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and triacetin.

However, the moisture present in the product poses significant challenges for formulation. Moisture acts not only as a nicotine solvent that facilitates diffusive transport from formulation to the oral mucosa but also a medium for chemical reactions that can significantly accelerate the rate of chemical degradation and product spoilage. Indeed, high moisture content nicotine formulations may still be unstable, especially if the moisture content exceeds <NUM>% wt. As described above, degradation of nicotine causes discoloration of the product. Furthermore, it is important to avoid nicotine degradation and to prevent moisture evaporation during storage, which may cause discrepancy between the factual and stated nicotine loading (mg nicotine per g). This reduces the shelf life of the product.

Physical instability is also a common problem of moist products. Physical instability may include discoloration, stickiness, lumping, phase transitions, such as dissolution-recrystallization and evaporation. Discoloration and chemical degradation may be connected to each other. Lumping of powder may require additional sieving for particle size control after compounding, which results in additional costs during processing.

The physical and chemical instability may lead to accumulation of toxic by-products of nicotine degradation as well as negative product experiences due to color changes (white product turning yellow, brown, or pink), dusting due to drying and leakage through pouch, product hardening and deteriorated mouthfeel as well as altered nicotine release profile.

There is therefore a need to provide tobacco-free or low-tobacco nicotine compositions which are suitable for use in pouches and in which the nicotine has a high degree of chemical stability, the composition has a high degree of physical stability, the pH is at a level which is comfortable for the user and which contains a relatively high degree of moisture.

There is a further need to provide a moist tobacco-free or low-tobacco nicotine composition to provide both fast nicotine release (and thus fast absorption to the blood stream) and to enhance the overall organoleptic experience of the user.

There is a further need to provide such products which may be produced in a simple, reliable and cost efficient manner.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising:.

In a second aspect, the invention provides the use of agar agar as a nicotine release control agent in a composition comprising:.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides the use as a nicotine stabilising agent of agar agar in a composition comprising:.

Preferably, the composition further comprises additional ingredients, in an amount from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% or more preferably in an amount from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%. The additional ingredients may comprise one or more additives selected from flavourings, flavour enhancers, sweeteners and preservatives.

Sweeteners are preferably present in an amount from 1wt% to <NUM> wt %. The sweeteners may comprise compounds selected from sugars (such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, dextrose, maltose, lactose, galactose), sugar alcohols (such as xylitol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol) and/or sugar substitutes (such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, allulose, acesulfame K, cyclamate or steviol glycosides).

Preferably, the sweeteners include a sugar alcohol in an amount less than <NUM> wt%, preferably less than <NUM> wt%, such as between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt%. Additionally or alternatively, the sweetener may comprise a sugar substitute in an amount less than <NUM> wt%, preferably less than <NUM> wt%, such as between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt%. Preferred sweeteners include xylitol and/or acesulfame K.

Preservatives may comprise one or more preservatives selected from calcium chloride, salts of sorbic acid (such as potassium sorbate), salts of benzoic acid (such as sodium benzoate), nitrate salts, nitrite salts, sulfate salts, sulfite salts and proponiate salts. Preferably, preservatives are in an amount less than about 1wt%, preferably between <NUM>. 1wt% and <NUM>. 5wt%, such as between about <NUM>. 25wt% and about <NUM>.

The pH control salts may comprise buffering salts such as carbonate or sesquicarbonate salts; acetate salts, glycinate, acetate, glycinate, gluconate, borate, glycerophosphate or citrate salts; phosphate salts. Preferred is a combination of ammonium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Where ammonium chloride is present it may be in an amount between <NUM> wt% and 1wt%, preferably between <NUM>. 1wt% and <NUM> wt%, for example between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt%. Where sodium bicarbonate is present it may be in an amount between less than 1wt%, preferably between <NUM>. 1wt% and <NUM> wt%, for example between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt%.

Preferably, the composition contains greater than 40wt% water, for example between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% water, preferably between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% water.

Preferably, the native cellulose material comprises powdered cellulose and/or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), with MCC being preferred.

The composition preferably comprises agar agar in an amount less than about 1wt%, preferably less than <NUM>. 7wt% of the composition. Indeed, the composition may comprise agar agar in an amount from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM>. 7wt%, preferably in an amount from about <NUM>. 2wt% to about <NUM>.

The ratio of agar agar to nicotine is less than about <NUM>:<NUM>. The ratio of agar agar to nicotine is from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>.

Some embodiments may include tobacco leaf in an amount less than <NUM> wt%, preferably about <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%.

It is preferred that the pH of the composition, as measured by Coresta Method No.<NUM>, <NUM>, is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> and more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably, any flavour enhancers present are selected from the group comprising sodium chloride, glutamate salts, glycine salts, inosinic acid salts and <NUM>'-ribonucleotide salts. Where sodium chloride is present, it is preferred to be in an amount less than <NUM> wt%, preferably between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% by weight of the composition.

The composition preferably includes flavouring compounds in an amount less than <NUM> wt% of the total composition, for example less than <NUM> wt% of the composition or between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% of the composition.

Preferred quantities of nicotine in the composition are between <NUM>. 2wt% and <NUM> wt%, or between <NUM>. 2wt% and 2wt%.

In some embodiments, the composition may consist essentially of the components described above.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a water or saliva permeable pouch containing a composition as described above. In a still further aspect, the present disclosure provides a package containing a plurality of those pouches.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for forming a nicotine containing composition, such as that which is described above, the process comprising:.

additional water may be added between steps (c) and (d).

Preferably, in steps (b) and (c), the mixing of the precursor is at a temperature greater than about <NUM>, preferably above about <NUM>, preferably above <NUM>.

In step (b) the water may be provided to the precursor at a temperature above about <NUM>, preferably above about <NUM>. Indeed, in step (b) the water may be provided to the precursor is in the form of steam or vapour.

Where additional water is added between steps (c) and (d) it may be at a temperature greater than about <NUM>, preferably above about <NUM>. Indeed, it may be in the form of steam or vapour.

Optionally, the precursor mixture is heated while in the mixer, for example during step (b) and/or (c) and or during or after any addition of water following step (c).

Optionally, further water is added to the composition after step (d).

Preferably, any of the following components may be added to the precursor mixture prior to step (b):.

Agar agar is a dried, hydrophilic, colloidal polysaccharide complex extracted from red algae (Rhodophyceae). The structure is believed to be a complex range of polysaccharide chains having alternating α(<NUM>→<NUM>) and β-(<NUM>→<NUM>) linkages. Agar agar can be separated into a natural gelling fraction, agarose, and a sulphated nongelling fraction, agaropectin. Agar agar is soluble in hot water to form a viscous solution but has poor solubility in cold water and ethanol (<NUM>%). A <NUM>% w/v aqueous solution forms a stiff jelly on cooling.

Where the term "tobacco" is used, we mean any part, such as leaves, stems, and stalks, of any member of the genus Nicotiana. The tobacco may be whole, shredded, threshed, cut, ground, cured, aged, fermented, or treated otherwise, e.g., granulated or encapsulated.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings:.

In relation to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a tobacco free (or in some instances low tobacco) nicotine formulation for use in pouches for oral use. The formulation has a high water content and contains nicotine in its free base form. The composition involves a cellulosic filler and also the use of agar agar as a nicotine release agent to promote the release of nicotine from the composition when it is placed (e.g. in a pouch) in the oral cavity of a user.

The composition may have a general formulation as described below:.

All wt% are based on the total weight of the composition.

The quantity of nicotine in the composition varies by the desired strength of the product. In some embodiments the quantity of nicotine is between <NUM>. 2wt% and <NUM> wt%, or between <NUM>. 2wt% and 2wt%.

The native cellulose useful in the present invention may comprise powdered cellulose and/or microcrystalline cellulose. Examples of powdered cellulose which may be used in the invention include Arbocel(RTM) as supplied by J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH; Elcema; KC Flock(RTM) supplied by Nippon Paper Industries Co. ; Microcel 3E-<NUM> supplied by Roquette Freres; Sanacel (RTM) supplied by CFF GmbH; Sanacel Pharma (RTM) supplied by CFF GmbH; Sancel-W supplied by NB Entrepreneurs Company; or Solka-Floc (RTM) supplied by J. Rettenmaier USA LP.

Examples of microcrystalline cellulose which may be used in the invention include Avicel (RTM) PH supplied by Dupont Nutrition and Biosciences, Inc. ; Cellets (RTM) supplied by Pharmatrans Sanaq AG; Celphere (TM) supplied by Asahi Kasei Corporation; Ceolus (TM) KG supplied by Asahi Kasei Corporation; Emcocel (RTM) supplied by JRS Pharma GmbH; MCC Sanaq (RTM) supplied by Pharmatrans Sanaq AG; Pharmacel (RTM) supplied by DFE Pharma GmbH; Tabulose (RTM) supplied by Roquette Freres; Vivapur (RTM) supplied by JRS Pharma GmbH.

While the water content of the composition should be at least 35wt%, it is preferred that a greater proportion of water is contained in the composition. Greater palatability for the user, including greater softness, tends to be found when the water content of the composition is greater than <NUM> wt%. Preferred compositions have a water content greater than <NUM> wt%, for example between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% water.

The composition contains pH control salts to provide optimum pH of the composition while in use in the mouth of a user. It is preferred that the pH of the composition, when measured according to the Coresta Method No.<NUM>, <NUM>, is from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> and more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>. This can be achieved by providing pH adjusting agents such as sodium bicarbonate or buffering salts such as a combination of a ammonium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Typical quantities of pH control salts are between <NUM>. 2wt% and 2wt%, preferably between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt%. Alternative buffering salts may be selected from e.g. carbonate or sesquicarbonate salts; acetate salts, glycinate, acetate, glycinate, gluconate, borate, glycerophosphate or citrate salts; phosphate salts.

Flavourings contained within the composition are not limited but preferably include flavonoid compounds to stimulate the olefactory system of the user, typically in an amount of less than about 3wt% of the total composition. Such compounds are commercially available and are well known to those skilled in the art.

The flavour of the composition may be improved by the inclusion of sweeteners or flavour enhancers.

Sweeteners may include sugar based sweeteners such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, dextrose, maltose, lactose, galactose; sugar alcohols such as xylitol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol; or other sugar substitutes such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, allulose, acesulfame K, cyclamate or steviol glycosides. The sweeteners may be present alone though are preferably used in combination (for example a sugar alcohol and a sugar substitute). A preferred combination is xylitol and acesulfame K. Quantities of the sweetener present in the composition depend on the properties of the sweeteners chosen, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art but typically range between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% in total.

Flavour enhancers may include sodium chloride, salts of glutamic acid (such as sodium glutamate), glycine salts, inosinic acid salts and <NUM>'-ribonucleotide salts (such as on or more disodium ribonucleotides). Quantities of the flavour enhancer present in the composition depend on the properties of the flavour enhancer chosen, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art but typically range between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt% in total.

Preservatives may include antimicrobial preservatives such as sorbic acid salts (such as sodium or potassium sorbate), benzoic acid salts, nitrate salts, nitrite salts, sulfate salts, sulfite salts and proponiate salts. Salts such as calcium chloride may also be used as preservatives.

All compositions may contain a small quantity of tobacco, such as between <NUM> wt% and <NUM> wt%, especially when contained in a pouch.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the presence of agar agar in the composition acts as an effective nicotine stabilizer and release control agent. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is postulated that the nicotine may be partially bound within an agar agar gel which may be formed during manufacture. This appears to provide both a highly stable nicotine composition, which despite the use of free base nicotine and high levels of moisture is able to maintain a long shelf life. Moreover, the nicotine release profile of the composition is fast and consistent, providing excellent product performance. This performance is provided despite a relatively small quantity of agar agar being provided in the composition. The agar agar is preferably present in an amount from <NUM>. 1wt% to about <NUM> wt%. It is present in a ratio of agar agar to nicotine of <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, more preferably from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. This is a significantly lower ratio than would be required for prior art stabilizing agents.

Any food or pharmaceutical grade agar agar may be utilized in the present invention. Specific examples include Rokoagar (RTM) RGM <NUM> and RGM <NUM>, as supplied by Industrias Roko, S.

The composition may have a general composition as follows:.

Further there is described a process for the manufacture of tobacco-free or low-tobacco nicotine compositions. The process involves the mixing in a vessel (such as an autoclave) the native cellulose in a portion of from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the intended final composition and agar agar in a portion of from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the final composition, each in powder or granular form. One or more of the other solid components of the composition, such as pH control salts, flavour enhancers, sweeteners or preservatives may also be added at this stage of the process, though any tobacco intended for inclusion in the final composition should ideally be held until the remainder of the composition is complete.

At least a portion of the water (preferably at least 10wt% of the intended final composition) is then added to the composition and the composition is heated. The heating may take place in a number of ways. The mixing vessel may be heated, for example by use of a heating manifold. Alternatively or additionally, the water may be heated prior to its introduction to the mixing vessel or some or all of the water may be added as steam. The temperature of the resulting precursor mixture should be at least <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> and more preferably at least <NUM>. The precursor is heated such that the agar agar at least partially dissolves in the water. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is postulated that the low concentration of agar agar coupled with shear applied during mixing, sufficient dissolution of agar agar may be obtained at such temperatures.

While the heated precursor mixture is being mixed, the nicotine is added to the precursor in an amount from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the final composition. At this stage, other liquid components of the composition, such as flavourings, may be added.

Optionally, a second portion of water (preferably at least 10wt% of the intended final composition) is then added to the composition and the composition is heated, again to at least <NUM>, preferably at least <NUM> and more preferably at least <NUM>.

The precursor is then allowed to cool, preferably while mixing is continued. The resulting composition may be set aside. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the agar agar forms a gel which at least partially encapsulates the nicotine which is present, stabilizing it and also providing excellent release properties.

In an optional finishing step, the resulting composition may have further water added to it, preferably with the water at ambient temperature. This step is to afford a greater content to the composition where required. In some embodiments, flavour enhancers, sweeteners or preservatives may be added at this stage, additionally to or in the alternative to their addition earlier in the process.

The finished composition may optionally be mixed with tobacco in an amount of up to <NUM> wt% of the final composition. The composition is soft to the touch, produces little dust and does not form clumps. The product is white in colour. In preferred embodiments, it is packed into saliva permeable pouches ready for oral delivery.

A number of compositions were produced according to the method described above.

<NUM> portions of each of the finished compositions were packed into a saliva permeable pouch and tested according to the following release test:
A single person avoids nicotine intake for <NUM> hours before the experiment starts and avoids food or drink intake <NUM> hour before the experiment starts. Prior to the procedure, the testing person rinses his or her mouth with water and waits for <NUM> minutes.

A pouch is taken and the weight is measured before being placed under the lip of the testing person. The pouch is kept in place, without moving, for <NUM> minutes. The pouch is then removed and placed in a 50cm3 distilled water and stirred or shaken for <NUM> minutes. A sample is taken and analysed for its nicotine content using HPLC.

The tester then waits at least one hour before repeating the experiment, holding the pouch in place for <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> minutes on successive repeats.

The results of the release tests are plotted in Figure <NUM>. As can be seen, a slight increase in the release rate and total release of nicotine over <NUM> minutes can be seen with the inclusion of <NUM> wt% agar agar. However, as can be surprisingly seen, a relatively small proportion of agar agar in the composition (<NUM> wt%, with <NUM> wt% nicotine) provides a very significant increase in both release rate and total release over <NUM> minutes.

Further compositions, identical to those of Example <NUM> but which comprised different stabilizers in place of agar agar were prepared and tested according to the same method. The stabilizers used in these examples are shown in the table below:.

The results of the release tests are plotted in the graph at Figure <NUM>, with the plot of Example <NUM> overlaid. It is clear from the plot that agar agar provides for the greatest overall release of nicotine over a <NUM> minute period and also provides for a significantly faster release over the first <NUM> minutes of use. This provides significant advantages for users seeking to cease smoking.

A pH electrode is calibrated using at least two pH buffers (<NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM> or <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM>) to produce a two-point calibration that will cover the pH range of the products tested. Calibration is performed in conjunction with the measurements of the samples and at <NUM>. The calibration slope must be within <NUM> % - <NUM> % before the electrode can be used for sample measurements. The electrode must be rinsed, before and after each measurement, with water.

The samples for testing are allowed to reach room temperature before preparation. Samples are then mixed with water at a concentration of <NUM> wt% and shaken or stirred for <NUM> minutes. The pH electrode is then used to determine the pH of the water in the sample mixture.

Comparative examples <NUM>-<NUM> list commercial products which are based on a nicotine salt and featuring low moisture content, i.e., below <NUM>% wt. These products generally feature long shelf life of at least <NUM> months. However, miscoloration and lumpiness increase with increasing moisture content. Very dry products may dust during storage and be difficult to handle during packaging. Low moisture products typically feature poor palatability (dry mouthfeel) and show delayed nicotine release. The appearance of samples is presented in Figure <NUM>.

Comparative examples <NUM>-<NUM> list commercial products based on a nicotine free-base and featuring high moisture content, i.e., above <NUM>% wt. Lumpiness and various degrees of miscoloration are characteristic to nearly all products. Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> are variations of the same product from the same manufacturer, that vary mainly with respect to aromas, release modifiers, and sweeteners used. The products in these examples contain calcium chloride. Typically, calcium chloride is used as excipient with water binding properties and as antimicrobial preservative. The appearance of samples is presented in Figure <NUM>.

Comparative examples <NUM> and <NUM> list commercial products based on free-base nicotine and featuring medium moisture content, i.e., below <NUM>-<NUM>% wt. These products feature a shelf life of around <NUM>-<NUM> months. Both products exhibit signs of miscoloration and lumpiness. Comparative Example <NUM>, rich in sugar alcohol, is especially prone to form lumps, which harden over time, thereby significantly decreasing product palatability. The appearance of samples is presented in Figure <NUM>.

Example <NUM> represents an example of a formulation for use in the present invention. The product features high moisture content and high nicotine stability during at least <NUM> months of storage. No signs of miscoloration, lumping or dusting are observed after storage.

The Examples show that compositions for use in the present invention provide a soft, white product that avoids clumping and is thus palatable to use and easy to pack and manufacture. It also has a substantial shelf life and delivers nicotine quickly and consistently to the user.

Claim 1:
Use of agar agar as a nicotine release control agent in a composition comprising:
a. from <NUM>.2wt% to 5wt% nicotine in free base form;
b. a native cellulose material in an amount from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%;
c. water in an amount at least <NUM> wt%;
d. one or more pH control salts in an amount from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt%;
e. agar agar and/or derivatives of agar agar in an amount from <NUM>.1wt% to <NUM> wt%, wherein the ratio of agar agar to nicotine is from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>; and
f. optional additional ingredients, preferably in an amount up to <NUM> wt%.