British American Tobacco’s Velo Push Hits FDA Delay as U.S. Nicotine Pouch Reviews Stall
British American Tobacco’s attempt to ramp up Velo nicotine pouch sales in the U.S. has hit a snag with regulators. Reuters said Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration still hasn’t signed off on multiple products under a fast-track process, which had been expected to wrap up decisions by end-2025. BAT’s applications remain in limbo. Timing is key for BAT right now. The company’s counting on its smoke-free lineup—nicotine pouches, vapes, heated-tobacco—to offset the drag from falling cigarette sales. Back in February, BAT flagged that 2026 results would probably arrive at the lower boundary of its medium-term growth targets, despite 2025 shaping up to hit the top end of its guidance.