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** 10 July 2025
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** UK
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** Boots trials Nicorette-backed support service to help people quit vaping (#1)
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** Journal adds conflict of interest declarations to Philip Morris-funded vaping studies (#2)
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** Philip Morris leverages pricing strategy to increase profit growth (#3)
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** Vaping ban introduced on Tyne and Wear Metro with £1,000 fine for breaches (#4)
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** 42 areas chosen to pilot neighbourhood health improvement programme (#5)
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** Weight loss injections alone won’t solve the obesity crisis, doctors warn (#6)
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** UK
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** Boots trials Nicorette-backed support service to help people quit vaping

Boots has introduced a 12-week pilot programme in ten Manchester pharmacies to assist people in stopping vaping, as well as smoking. The initiative, backed by Nicorette manufacturer Kenvue, was launched shortly after the UK government's ban on disposable vapes came into effect in June 2025. Pharmacists involved have received additional training to provide personalised sessions and offer a range of nicotine replacement products.

The scheme was informed by survey results funded by Kenvue and conducted by Perspectus Global, which found a strong desire among vapers to quit, with many having previously attempted to do so without professional support.

Source: The Pharmaceutical Journal, 9 July 2025
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** Journal adds conflict of interest declarations to Philip Morris-funded vaping studies

Toxicology Reports has retroactively updated conflict of interest disclosures in seven papers authored by researchers affiliated with Philip Morris International. Although the authors’ corporate affiliations and funding were originally noted, the journal has now formally classified these connections as competing interests, citing publication standards that require explicit conflict declarations.

The papers, published between 2019 and 2023, covered topics such as heated tobacco, e-cigarette toxicology, and hookah aerosols. The corrections were made following communication between Elsevier, the journal’s publisher, and the company, with both parties agreeing to the updated disclosures. This follows previous editorial concerns at the journal, including a 2021 expression of concern over a COVID-19 special issue.

Source: Retraction Watch, 8 July 2025
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** Philip Morris leverages pricing strategy to increase profit growth

Philip Morris International (PMI) saw profit growth in the first quarter of 2025, underpinned by its ability to raise prices across both tobacco and nicotine products. The company achieved 10.2% organic net revenue growth and a 16% rise in organic operating income, with gross margins expanding by 340 basis points. Pricing alone contributed six percentage points to revenue growth, including an 8% rise in combustible product pricing and a 3% increase in nicotine product categories excluding devices.

PMI’s non-combustible portfolio, including HTPs, nicotine pouches, and vapes, saw gross margins exceed 70%, outperforming combustibles by over five percentage points. Nicotine pouches were especially strong at retail, maintaining share despite aggressive discounting by competitors. Despite this growth, combustibles continue to make up the vast majority of PMI’s profits.

Source: Yahoo Finance, 9 July 2025

Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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** Vaping ban introduced on Tyne and Wear Metro with £1,000 fine for breaches

A new byelaw prohibiting the use of vapes and e-cigarettes on the Tyne and Wear Metro network has officially taken effect as of 1 July 2025. The rule applies across trains and stations, aligning vaping restrictions with the long-standing smoking ban in place since the Metro system opened in 1980.

Nexus, the network’s operator, implemented the measure after consistent customer complaints, describing vaping as the most frequently reported issue among passengers. The byelaw followed a formal consultation process and was approved by the Department for Transport. While no fines have yet been issued, individuals caught vaping on Metro property now face prosecution and penalties of up to £1,000.

Source: BBC News, 9 July 2025
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** 42 areas chosen to pilot neighbourhood health improvement programme

The government and NHS England will select 42 local areas to lead the initial phase of a neighbourhood health implementation programme, set to begin in September 2025. These areas, which typically align with boroughs, towns, or districts, will be chosen based on early evidence of collaborative care for individuals with multiple and complex health conditions. The first wave aims to cover a significant portion of England, with a second wave expected next year to extend the programme’s reach to around 20% of the population.

Applications must be supported jointly by leaders from trusts, councils, GPs, primary care networks, and voluntary sectors. While the programme will not provide additional funding, participants will receive support through coaching, workshops, and data sharing. The programme will be overseen by a taskforce chaired by Sir John Oldham, with progress monitored via monthly reporting.

Source: Health Service Journal, 9 July 2025

See also: NHS - Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 ([link removed])
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** Weight loss injections alone won’t solve the obesity crisis, doctors warn

Medical experts warn that weight loss injections are insufficient to tackle the UK’s growing obesity problem. The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) highlights the need for equitable access to weight management services and stronger support to maintain weight loss. They also call for urgent reforms to the food environment, including curbing aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods and improving access to healthier options.

A recent RCP poll found 80% of nearly 19,000 doctors have seen more obese patients in the past five years. Currently, 29% of UK adults are obese, with around 1.5 million using weight loss injections.

Obesity worsens outcomes for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and the RCP stresses tackling its social, economic, and commercial causes, not just relying on medication. While welcoming the government’s 10 Year Plan, the RCP urges clear action plans and timelines.

Source: Independent, 9 July 2025

See also: RCP - “Weight loss jabs won’t go far enough”: Royal College of Physicians urges more radical obesity action after 80% of doctors report rising cases ([link removed])

Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

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