Cigarettes with ultralow nicotine levels are now being called the game-changer in the fight against smoking. If you are having trouble in quitting smoking, then, it is for you, that soon the Biden White House is expected to formally propose a plan that will order cigarette nicotine levels to be reduced, reports The Washington Post. For now though, it has been a failure, as these cigarettes, also known as VLN cigarettes that stands for very low nicotine are only available in 5,100 stores in 26 states. This is a very small fraction of the overall market for cigarettes. The company that makes it, 22nd Century, is struggling not because of the low supply, but also from the advocates who have long believed slashing nicotine levels altogether.

The Advent and ideation

Nicotine is a chemical that is produced naturally from tobacco that makes the cigarette and also keeps people hooked. While it is believed that it makes people alert, and get the "hit" to keep them going, it exposes the users to harmful substances, carcinogens, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illness.

Ultralow-nicotine cigarettes, like the VLN brand, contain about 95% less nicotine than the regular cigarettes. The idea is quite simple: without the addictive grip of nicotine, smokers will find it easier to quit. Research too has shown some promise. For instance, the studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that very low nicotine cigarettes reduced addiction potential significantly without having users to increase their smoking frequency. However, the problem is, why would anyone choose for a low-nicotine that does not make them feel the same way, when the high-nicotine cigarette is right next to it, making them feel the same way, with the same alertness, sold at the same price.

“It’s very hard to imagine someone actively choosing to continue to use a low-nicotine product for the same price when a high-nicotine product is right next to it,” said Eric Donny, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nicotine researcher.

No wonder, the experiment with low nicotine product by Philip Morris' Next cigarettes in the 1980s and Vector Tobacco's Quest brand in the early 2000s, flopped.

FDA's Role in the Push

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported the development of such products, even allowing VLN cigarettes to be marketed as lower-risk options. However, these products remain a niche market, available in only a fraction of U.S. stores.

Recently, the Biden administration has considered a bold step—mandating a dramatic reduction in nicotine levels for all cigarettes sold in the United States. Supporters believe this move could save millions of lives, while critics, including tobacco companies, warn of potential unintended consequences.

What Could Be The Challenges?

Resistance from Big Tobacco Companies: They could argue that slashing nicotine levels could backfire. Their claim is, smokers will turn to black markets or smoke more to satisfy their cravings, which may lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reluctance: History is proof to the instances of smokers being hesitant to embrace the low-nicotine products.

Political Hurdle: It may face political roadblocks, as under the Trump administration, plans to cut nicotine were shelved.

Could Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Be The Solution?

Advocates believe that ultralow-nicotine cigarettes could be a game-changer, comparing them to decaf coffee or non-alcoholic beer—products that reduce harm while offering a similar experience.

Some experts warn that a black market for traditional cigarettes could undermine these efforts. They also stress the need for safer alternatives, such as vaping products, to support smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the growing awareness of organ donations in India.

The Prime Minister lauded people who have undertaken such noble deeds.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has recorded a fourfold surge in organ transplants over the last decade. From less than five thousand in 2013, organ transplants in the country jumped to nearly 20 thousand in 2025.

“Awareness about organ donation is steadily rising in India these days. This is helping those who are in need of it. It is also strengthening medical research in the country. Many organizations and individuals are doing extraordinary work in this direction,” the PM said in the 131st episode of the monthly radio program.

The Prime Minister also paid tributes to 10-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham, from Kerala, who lost her life in an accident but gave life to five people to become the youngest organ donor in the state.

“There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing one’s own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper. Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala. She left this world at the age of just 10 months.

PM Modi said even amidst "profound pain", Aalin's father, Arun Abraham, and mother, Sherin, decided to donate her organs.

"While on the one hand, they grieved the loss of their daughter, on the other, they were also filled with a spirit of helping others," PM Modi said.

“Aalin Sherin Abraham is no longer with us, but her name has joined the ranks of the nation's youngest organ donors,” he added.

He also mentioned the names of organ recipients -- Lakshmi Devi from Delhi, Gaurang Banerjee from West Bengal, and Ramdev Singh of Sikar, Rajasthan -- who, after receiving the transplants, got a second chance at life.

“You will come across many such inspiring examples. This proves once again that a single noble act can change the lives of countless people. I heartily commend all those who have undertaken such noble deeds,” the Prime Minister said.

Where Does India Stand In Terms Of Organ Transplants?

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has recorded an unprecedented progress in organ donation, allocation, and transplantation across the country.

As per the Health Ministry, about 18 per cent of transplants are currently being performed with the organs donated from deceased donors.

In 2025 alone, more than 1,200 families came forward to donate organs of their loved ones after death. Each donor is now also a multiorgan donor, transforming the lives of many.

Since September 2023, more than 4.8 lakh citizens have registered to donate organs and tissues after death through an Aadhaar-based verification system.

Notably, India has also achieved competence in performing difficult organ transplants like the heart, lungs, and pancreas.

The country also leads the world in hand transplants and performs a greater number of hand transplants than any other country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the growing awareness of organ donations in India.

The Prime Minister lauded people who have undertaken such noble deeds.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has recorded a fourfold surge in organ transplants over the last decade. From less than five thousand in 2013, organ transplants in the country jumped to nearly 20 thousand in 2025.

“Awareness about organ donation is steadily rising in India these days. This is helping those who are in need of it. It is also strengthening medical research in the country. Many organizations and individuals are doing extraordinary work in this direction,” the PM said in the 131st episode of the monthly radio program.

The Prime Minister also paid tributes to 10-month-old Aalin Sherin Abraham, from Kerala, who lost her life in an accident but gave life to five people to become the youngest organ donor in the state.

“There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing one’s own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper. Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala. She left this world at the age of just 10 months.

PM Modi said even amidst "profound pain", Aalin's father, Arun Abraham, and mother, Sherin, decided to donate her organs.

"While on the one hand, they grieved the loss of their daughter, on the other, they were also filled with a spirit of helping others," PM Modi said.

“Aalin Sherin Abraham is no longer with us, but her name has joined the ranks of the nation's youngest organ donors,” he added.

He also mentioned the names of organ recipients -- Lakshmi Devi from Delhi, Gaurang Banerjee from West Bengal, and Ramdev Singh of Sikar, Rajasthan -- who, after receiving the transplants, got a second chance at life.

“You will come across many such inspiring examples. This proves once again that a single noble act can change the lives of countless people. I heartily commend all those who have undertaken such noble deeds,” the Prime Minister said.

Where Does India Stand In Terms Of Organ Transplants?

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has recorded an unprecedented progress in organ donation, allocation, and transplantation across the country.

As per the Health Ministry, about 18 per cent of transplants are currently being performed with the organs donated from deceased donors.

In 2025 alone, more than 1,200 families came forward to donate organs of their loved ones after death. Each donor is now also a multiorgan donor, transforming the lives of many.

Since September 2023, more than 4.8 lakh citizens have registered to donate organs and tissues after death through an Aadhaar-based verification system.

Notably, India has also achieved competence in performing difficult organ transplants like the heart, lungs, and pancreas.

The country also leads the world in hand transplants and performs a greater number of hand transplants than any other country.

Women, young ones and ones holding their babies, along with some men lined up on the outskirts of Zimbabwe's capital Harare for the injections of a new HIV prevention drug. The country launched it on Thursday. This drug needs to be administered only twice a year.

Why Is This Vaccine So Important For Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is a country where HIV led to tens of thousands of deaths in the last two decades. It is the first country to roll out lenacapavir, which is a long-acting drug that authorities have put their hopes on to slow down the HIV infection.

Also Read: Hangover Star Ken Jeong's Wife Beats Stage 3 Breast Cancer

What Is So Special About The HIV Injections?

Clinical studies have demonstrated near-total protection for the drug and has been described as a 'turning point' for high risk groups by many experts. However, many have warned that its broad impact would require overcoming funding constraints, infrastructure gaps and the challenge of keeping patients engaged.

Immunologist at Emory University Rama Rao Amara, calls it a "wonder drug". The drug, known as lenacapavir has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is made by Gilead Sciences.

How Does This Drug Differ From Earlier HIV Prevention Drugs?

In 2021, FDA approved injectable form of PrEP medication called cabotegravir, however, this required patients to take it in every two months. This was also an intramuscular dose that healthcare providers were to administer into the buttocks.

What changes with lenacapavir is its easy administration. Each dose lasts longer compared to other medications and requires to be administered twice a year.

Read: 12.4 Lakh HIV Tests In Haryana Detect 5,877 Cases

The limitation with lenacapavir is its price tag of more than $28,000 per person per year. Carmen Pérez Casas, a senior strategy leader at Unitaid, a global health initiative based in Geneva, Switzerland said, "This is unaffordable. We need to get somewhere close to what previous options cost."

However, there is hope as the researchers published an analysis in The Lancet HIV that suggested generic versions of this drug could cost a person $25 per year.

Could This Drug Reshape HIV Prevention?

At the Zimbabwe launch, Constance Mukoloka, a sex worker, was among the first beneficiaries of this roll out which has happened by donor-support across 10 African countries, as reported by PBS News.

"I am safe, I can work with confidence now," said the 27-year-old sex worker. "When I took tablets, customers would see a container of pills and leave. They would never return due to fear," she said. "They couldn't tell the difference between PrEP and treatment drugs. With the work we do, that stigma costs you money."

Daily oral PrEP has been offered in Zimbabwe for years, along with condoms, vaginal rings and shorter-acting injections. However, sticking to the regimen has been difficult, especially for people dealing with stigma or irregular daily routines.

"I work in beer halls looking for clients. Sometimes I would get drunk and forget to take my drugs," Mukoloka said. "Sometimes I would work all night and not have time. Some clients refuse protection. They say ... 'Why should I use protection when I have paid?'"