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.

Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, best known for his performance in Breaking Bad, has died aged 34. His representative confirmed the news of his passing.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of beloved actor, philanthropist, and passionate disability rights advocate RJ Mitte," his representative told the BBC.

He was found at his home in Brownsville, Texas at 12:50 pm. The cause of his death is yet to be determined, although authorities are suspecting it to be suicide. They are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to the Brownsville Police Department, "The cause and manner of death are still pending, as there is currently an ongoing investigation."

'Breaking Bad' Co-Star Bryan Cranston Says 'Seek Help'

Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, parlayed his own experience into his character, Walter 'Flynn' White Jr in the Emmy-winning drama series, starring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn.

Cranston took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note about Mitte, sharing their experiences of working together. He wrote, "Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anything. He met the demanding shooting schedule head on with great determination."

He added, "He parlayed his experience on the show to be a vocal advocate for performers with disabilities, and was the head of a philanthropic organization with a focus on helping the disabled community." Cranston's post contributed to the speculation that Mitte took his own life.

He also added a note for those who are struggling: "I can’t stop there without imploring anyone who is contemplating suicide to please call for the support you need at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/). There is hope."

Also read: World Cerebral Palsy Day: Baby Not Sitting by 9 Months? Warning Signs Parents Should Know

RJ Mitte's Life With Cerebral Palsy

Mitte was diagnosed with a relatively mild form of cerebral palsy as a young child. Unlike his character in Breaking Bad, who uses crutches and has noticeably slurred speech, Mitte did not require crutches to function in his real life.

This illustrates a key point about cerebral palsy. The disease affects people differently, and its visible signs and severity can vary considerably as one ages.

According to the CDC, cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong neurological conditions caused by abnormal development or damage to the developing brain. It affects movement, muscle control, balance, and posture. It is marked by impaired motor coordination and affects one in 323 children in the United States.

Mitte was the ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's. Mitte's representative Sean Reilly told BBC, "Mitte brought authenticity to the role and built a platform on disability awareness and inclusion."

Mitte was known for his extensive efforts to expand representation for people with disabilities. He also created The Mitte Foundation as well, to support philanthropic efforts and community initiatives, using his platform "to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation for people with disabilities", Reilly said.

In addition to battling physical challenges related to the disease, Mitte also shed awareness about the bullying children with similar disabilities often face.

In an interview with Brain Health, Mitte said, "I was verbally harassed, knocked down, and even had my hand broken," Mitte says. "Having CP made me a target for bullies, and I learned that kids with disabilities are twice as likely to be bullied as other kids."

Bristol Myers Squibb’s experimental drug admilparant has shown promise in a late-stage clinical trial involving people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that causes irreversible scarring and gradually worsens breathlessness.

The pharmaceutical company announced on October 12 that the lower dose of the drug significantly slowed the decline in lung function compared to a placebo over 52 weeks. However, the higher dose did not meet the trial’s primary goal, raising questions about the treatment’s effects subject to dosage.

The Phase 3 ALOFT-IPF trial enrolled 1,255 patients and evaluated two doses of admilparant, 60 mg and 120 mg, taken twice daily. The study compared both doses with a placebo. Its primary goal was measuring changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) from the start of treatment to Week 52.

FVC measures the amount of air a person can forcefully exhale after taking a deep breath. A decline in this measure can indicate worsening lung function.

According to Bristol Myers Squibb, the 60 mg dose demonstrated a statistically significant benefit over placebo. The 120 mg dose also slowed the decline in lung function, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.

The company said the drug was generally well tolerated at both doses. Also, the treatment discontinuation due to adverse events remained low compared to placebo. Detailed trial results are yet to be presented.

What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Also read: Can Delhi’s Air Pollution Increase GI Cancer Risk? Doctors Report Patients As Young As 15

IPF is a chronic lung disease in which lung tissue becomes progressively scarred and stiff. As the scarring advances, the lungs become less efficient at transferring oxygen into the bloodstream, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.

The disease is described as idiopathic because its precise cause is unknown. Symptoms commonly include persistent breathlessness, a dry cough and fatigue. The condition can progress unpredictably, and the damage caused by fibrosis is generally irreversible.

Existing antifibrotic treatments can slow the loss of lung function, but they do not eliminate established scarring or cure the disease. This leaves a need for additional treatments that can delay progression.

About Admilparant

Admilparant, also known as BMS-986278, is an oral drug designed to block the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1).

The LPA1 signalling pathway is involved in processes linked to pulmonary fibrosis, including inflammation, tissue injury and the activation of cells that produce scar tissue. By blocking this receptor, admilparant is intended to interfere with mechanisms that contribute to the progression of lung scarring.

The drug is being investigated as a first-in-class treatment that uses this approach in people with IPF and progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

“IPF remains one of the most complex and challenging lung diseases to treat, with unpredictable progression, irreversible scarring and a profound impact on patients’ daily lives,” said Fernando Martinez, chair of the ALOFT programme’s clinical steering committee and a professor of medicine at UMass Chan Medical School.

“These admilparant results represent an important advancement as there remains a need for therapies that are both effective and tolerable for patients living with IPF,” he added.

Bristol Myers Squibb said it would complete a comprehensive evaluation of the trial data and deal with regulatory authorities for submissions. The detailed findings are expected to be presented at a future meeting.

Pennsylvania has reported its sixth measles-related death of 2026, involving a 39-year-old woman in Franklin County. State health officials are reviewing the case as the outbreak continues to spread across the state.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office said it investigated the woman’s death on October 10. In a statement released on October 12, the office said the case met Pennsylvania’s definition of a measles-associated death. The woman’s identity and further medical details have not been disclosed to protect her family’s privacy.

According to NBC News, a spokesperson for the coroner’s office said the woman was unvaccinated and that the “primary cause of death was a probable acute cardiac event due to possible complications of the measles.” The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a review of the reported death.

Pennsylvania Reports Sixth Measles-Related Death

The latest death comes as Pennsylvania continues to grapple with a substantial measles outbreak. State health department figures updated on October 9 recorded 1,136 cases across the state in 2026, among which 219 people required hospitalisation.

The first two deaths announced in the state in late August were infants, which were both in Lancaster County, which majority of cases are concentrated. A pregnant woman with measles went into labor a month early. The baby died shortly after birth. The other was a 6-week-old who had a rare genetic condition.

A 40-year-old woman with asthma and severe lung disease died in Jefferson County. An 18-year-old Mifflin County resident died “due to complications of measles,” specifically a rare and severe neurological condition that causes inflammation in the brain.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported in early October that the fifth death occurred in a 20-year-old woman with a compromised immune system because of leukemia.

The vast majority of people diagnosed with measles are unvaccinated. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, less than 1% of cases there occurred in people who were fully vaccinated.

Also read: US Health Secretary Wants To Expand Vaccine Injury Reporting: Benefits And Risks Explained

Pennsylvania And The CDC Report Different Death Counts

Pennsylvania has classified six deaths as measles-associated this year, while the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported two measles-associated deaths.

The difference reflects the need for consistent definitions and review procedures. Pennsylvania defines a measles-associated death as one occurring within 30 days of symptom onset in a person with clinical evidence of measles and a positive laboratory test, provided the death is not due to an unrelated cause.

Additional information, including exposure history and medical records, may also be considered. The CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists have been working on standardised definition for classifying measles-related deaths.

Also read: Nearly 4,000 Measles Cases In US: CDC Director Says MMR Vaccine Is ‘Absolutely Safe’

Measles Death Prevention

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the person has left.

Symptoms generally begin seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take up to 21 days to appear. Early signs include high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash.

Although many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. Babies, young children and people with weak immune systems are vulnerable to severe measles complications.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are approximately 97% effective against measles.

Pennsylvania health authorities have been expanding vaccination clinics and outreach in affected communities. More than 53,000 MMR doses were administered across the state in September, according to the health department.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office urged residents and healthcare professionals to follow public health guidance.

“We strongly encourage our medical community, first responders and the public to follow the precautions set forth by the PA Department of Health and Center for Disease Control,” the office said. “Caution and vigilance are key to our success in the treatment of this disease and its after affects.”