Fuisz LLC, a private company, obtained a US patent for a tobacco-pouch coating that speeds up release of nicotine in portion-packed smokeless tobacco, the company said.

"This patent represents a step forward for portion-packed smokeless tobacco that should be welcomed by consumers who want faster nicotine from smokeless products as well as the harm reduction community that wants to see more widespread adoption of smokeless tobacco products," said Joseph Fuisz, managing member of Fuisz Tobacco, in a company news release.