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.

BBC presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed that she has been diagnosed with smoldering myeloma — a blood and bone marrow disorder that currently has no cure.

The chronic condition was discovered by her doctor nearly two years after Laverne recovered from cancer in August 2024. Laverne has not publicly disclosed the exact type of cancer she was treated for.

Lauren Laverne Reveals 'Chronic Condition'

Taking to Instagram, the 48-year-old TV presenter shared her health update, telling followers that she has been diagnosed with a "chronic condition."

"I’ve been diagnosed with something called smoldering myeloma (yes, that is a weird name and no, I’d never heard of it either)," she wrote. "It’s an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that in some people can develop into blood cancer."

Stating that her risk "is pretty low," Laverne explained that she does not need treatment at the moment. However, she noted that there is currently no cure and that her immune system is "a bit compromised."

She also clarified that the diagnosis "has nothing to do with my previous illness or my recent surgery, it’s just one of those things."

Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report

Regular Monitoring Ahead

Because of the diagnosis, Laverne said she will be closely monitored with blood tests, MRIs, and bone marrow biopsies, which she joked she has "recently discovered are even less fun than they sound."

She revealed that the condition was identified after her GP noticed she had "persistently low iron levels."

"I've had some difficult experiences in the last eight years, but I have learned more from them than some people do in a lifetime and that is helping me right now. I am so grateful for that," she said.

Laverne also thanked her family, friends, doctors, consultants, nurses, and her team at BBC Radio 6 Music. Many of her fellow TV and radio personalities shared messages of support following her announcement.

What Is Smoldering Myeloma?

According to Blood Cancer UK, "Smoldering myeloma is the name given to myeloma that has no symptoms or signs of damage to your organs."

Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Smoldering myeloma is an inactive, early form of the disease that does not cause symptoms or organ damage.

The charity says that people with smoldering myeloma usually do not need treatment right away. Instead, they undergo regular checkups so doctors can monitor whether the condition is progressing to active myeloma.

Read More: Attention Brits! UK Warns Travelers About Deadly Methanol Poisoning Abroad

According to the International Myeloma Foundation, smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor stage of multiple myeloma (MM). While both conditions involve abnormal plasma cells, people with SMM have no symptoms or end-organ damage and are typically monitored rather than treated.

The disease generally progresses through precursor stages:

• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): The earliest stage before symptoms develop. MGUS is a benign precursor, and many people with MGUS never develop active myeloma.
• Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): In some people, MGUS progresses to SMM, which remains asymptomatic. Over time, SMM can progress to active multiple myeloma, although the rate of progression varies from person to person.

How Is Smoldering Myeloma Managed?

People with smoldering myeloma are generally managed through active surveillance, with regular blood tests, imaging scans, and other monitoring to detect any signs that the disease is becoming active. Active monitoring is considered a safe approach for most patients.

Doctors may recommend treatment in certain situations, including:

• If tests show a very high risk of progression to active myeloma.
• If there are no symptoms but evidence, or a high risk, of damage to organs such as the bones or kidneys.
• As part of a clinical trial.

Healthcare in India is no longer a privilege but is steadily becoming a right, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today while highlighting the government's efforts to expand affordable medical care, strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to treatment across the country.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony and launching development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure, PM Modi stated that India's healthcare journey has undergone a transformational change over the past 12 years.

The Prime Minister said lower and middle-income families have benefited the most from the country's healthcare transformation.

"Health services in India are no longer a privilege; they are becoming an absolute right," PM Modi said.

PGIMER Expansion To Boost Healthcare Access

Also read: Fourth COVID Death Reported in Andhra Pradesh: Experts Recommend Boosters For High-Risk Groups

In Chandigarh, the Prime Minister announced the expansion of healthcare facilities at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), including a new Neuroscience Centre, a Mother and Child Centre, and a Critical Care Hospital Block, saying the projects will provide better treatment facilities to millions of people.

He also announced the approval of a new MBBS college at PGIMER, saying the expansion of medical colleges and postgraduate seats will help address the shortage of doctors while creating more opportunities for aspiring medical students.

Healthcare Infrastructure Expanded Over The Past Decade

Highlighting the government's investments in healthcare, Modi said India has approved 15 new AIIMS since 2014, established hundreds of new medical colleges and expanded specialty hospitals across the country.

"Since 2014, fifteen new AIIMS have been approved, hundreds of new medical colleges have been established across the country, and specialized hospitals for the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer have been strengthened."

He added that strengthening primary healthcare remains a key priority under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.

The Prime Minister said that under the mission, critical care blocks, integrated public health laboratories and public health units have been established across the country. He added that over 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across rural, urban and tribal areas, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services, including twelve healthcare service packages.

He noted that crores of citizens have been screened for hypertension, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases through these centers.

Digital Health and Maternal Care Improvements

Read More: Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 Drug Wegovy Approved for Fatty Liver Disease in India

The Prime Minister highlighted the growing role of digital healthcare, noting that the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform has facilitated more than 48 crore consultations, enabling patients in remote areas to access specialist care without travelling long distances.

PM Modi said the healthcare improvements have contributed to better maternal and child health outcomes, with more than 90% of deliveries now taking place in healthcare institutions. He added that maternal mortality has declined by 86%, while infant mortality has also fallen significantly.

The Prime Minister also underlined the government's emphasis on preventive healthcare through initiatives such as the Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, yoga promotion, HPV vaccination and the U-WIN platform.

Focus On Tuberculosis Control

PM Modi reaffirmed the Government's commitment to eliminating tuberculosis, stating that the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has strengthened awareness, screening and treatment.

He noted that TB treatment coverage in the country has now crossed 90% and, citing a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, said India has recorded a 21% decline in tuberculosis cases over the past decade.

India Emerging As A Global Healthcare Destination

Recalling India's response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi said the country has evolved from a nation once perceived as dependent on external assistance to a global destination for advanced medical treatment.

He attributed the transformation to sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure and policies aimed at making quality treatment affordable and accessible.

Modi said "India must continue investing in modern healthcare infrastructure and emerging technologies as part of its vision of becoming a developed nation".

India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh has reported four COVID-19 deaths amid a rise in infections, prompting experts to reiterate the importance of booster vaccination for older adults and people at high risk of severe disease.

While sporadic COVID-19 cases have continued to be reported across the country, fatalities have remained relatively uncommon. Health experts say the current situation does not resemble previous pandemic waves, but immunity from earlier vaccinations has waned, making booster doses important for vulnerable groups.

Andhra Pradesh Reports Four COVID Deaths

In an official statement, Andhra Pradesh Health Commissioner G. Veerapandian said that 12 people tested positive for COVID-19 across the state between June 26 and July 16. Of these, four patients with multiple comorbidities died.

The deceased had underlying conditions including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious illnesses.

Although cases have increased in a few states and cities, hospitals are not experiencing the overwhelming admissions, oxygen shortages, or healthcare burden seen during earlier waves.

Also read: Omicron Sub-Lineages Likely Behind COVID Surge In India: Why Deaths Are Occurring

Who Is Most at Risk?

Experts say that while most current infections are mild, severe illness remains more likely in:

• Older adults

• Pregnant women

• People with diabetes

• Individuals with heart disease

• Those with chronic lung or kidney disease

• Cancer patients

• People with weakened immune systems

Experts Advise Boosters For Vulnerable Groups

Read More: COVID Spikes In India: Experts Allay Fears, Stress Vaccination And Masks

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Atul Kakar, Chairperson, Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said booster doses remain advisable for people at highest risk.

"COVID vaccines are now again recommended, especially for the elderly population, particularly those of advanced age or who are immunocompromised. It is a voluntary vaccine that is indicated because immunity from earlier vaccinations has declined."

Dr. Manjeeta Nath Das, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, PB Health, said COVID-19 cases are rising in small pockets, particularly in South India, while immunity from previous vaccination has gradually waned.

"COVID is rising in India, especially in small pockets in South India. So we should all get re-vaccinated. It has been several years since the pandemic, and immunity from previous vaccinations has waned," Das told HealthandMe.

She recommended booster doses for:

• Adults aged 65 years and above

• Immunocompromised children older than six months

• People with diabetes, hypertension, or asthma

• Patients undergoing chemotherapy

• Individuals taking steroids or other immunosuppressive medicines

• Adults with immunocompromising conditions

• Caregivers and healthcare workers caring for vulnerable patients

She also said eligible people may consider an annual COVID-19 booster as immunity declines over time.

Dr. Kakar added that people with weakened immunity, immunodeficiency, advanced age, and pregnant women are among those who would benefit most from a booster.

Heterologous Boosters May Be An Option

Dr. Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said booster vaccination should focus on those at the highest risk rather than the general population.

"The focus has shifted from broad herd immunity to priority boosters for the elderly and high-risk groups such as cancer patients, people on dialysis, those with uncontrolled diabetes, patients on steroids, and immunosuppressed individuals."

She told HealthandMe that people who have previously been vaccinated may also consider a heterologous booster—receiving a different COVID-19 vaccine from the one used for their earlier doses—where appropriate and based on medical advice.