New & emerging products  /  Nicotine analogues

Some newer products use chemicals that are similar to nicotine rather than nicotine itself. These are often called nicotine analogues. Research is developing quickly, and there are still major gaps in what is known about their long-term effects.

Wales evidence status: there is currently no defensible population-prevalence estimate for 6-methyl nicotine, Metatine or other nicotine analogues in Wales. International product-testing and laboratory studies can tell us that these substances exist and are being studied, but they cannot tell us how common their use is in Wales.

Last reviewed: 25th September 2026

A nicotine analogue is a chemical with a structure similar to nicotine. Some are being developed or sold for use in products such as vapes and oral pouches.

They are not the same thing as synthetic nicotine. Synthetic nicotine is still nicotine; it is made without tobacco. A nicotine analogue is a different chemical.

The World Health Organization has warned that products may emerge containing synthetic nicotine analogues or other chemicals with nicotine-like properties, and has recommended that regulation and labelling keep pace with these developments.

6-methyl nicotine, usually shortened to 6-MN, is one of the nicotine analogues now being studied. It has been marketed in some products under names including Metatine.

Researchers have identified 6-MN in electronic cigarette products and oral pouches sold internationally. Studies so far suggest that it can act on the same type of receptors in the body as nicotine, but the evidence base is much smaller than it is for nicotine.

This is an emerging area. Findings from laboratory and product-testing studies should not be treated as a complete picture of the long-term effects of using 6-MN.

No. A product described as nicotine-free may contain a different chemical intended to produce nicotine-like effects. That is one reason ingredient information and independent product testing matter.

It does not mean every nicotine-free product contains an analogue. Claims need to be checked product by product.

• Nicotine analogues are chemically similar to nicotine, but they are not identical to it.
• 6-MN has been found in some vape and oral pouch products sold internationally.
• Laboratory and animal research suggests 6-MN can have nicotine-like biological effects.
• Product testing has found that labelled and measured amounts can differ.
• There is still limited evidence on patterns of human use and long-term health effects.

That uncertainty is a reason for careful monitoring and clear regulation – not a reason to assume the products are either harmless or identical to conventional nicotine.

Evidence in this area is changing. Useful sources include:

• World Health Organization Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation
• Research on 6-MN in an electronic cigarette product
• Research on nicotine-analogue oral pouches
• Health-risk assessment of 6-MN oral pouch products

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