BUZZ-US FDA to ease crackdown on vapes; Philip Morris climbs;

Philip Morris International Inc.

Philip Morris International Inc.

PM

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** Shares of cigarette maker Philip Morris PM.N up 1.7% at $174.05 premarket

** The US FDA said it would ease its crackdown on some unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouch products with pending marketing applications under review

** The change means that manufacturers with products that meet the agency's conditions are unlikely to face enforcement action even if they sell their products without the legally required license

** The new guideline is a boost for cos like PM, which have delayed product launches while awaiting agency decisions on new products

** As of last close, PM stock up 6.6% YTD