Federal health officials on Thursday backed the public health benefits of nicotine pouches, authorizing Philip Morris International’s Zyn to help adult smokers cut back or quit cigarettes.

The FDA said "an extensive scientific review" found the products were found to pose lower risks of cancer and other serious health conditions compared to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday that it authorized the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouches but will be "closely monitoring youth use.""The FDA's decision recognizes the role that Zyn can play in the protection of the public health by helping people switch from cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products,