Marlboro Snus, a version of smokeless tobacco developed by Philip Morris USA parent Altria Group, Inc., will soon be sold nationally, the Associated Press reported Feb. 18.

Altria has been test marketing the Marlboro-branded tobacco pouches — designed to be wedged between the cheek and gum — since 2007. The tobacco industry has looked to fill the gap caused by declining smoking rates with a variety of smokeless-tobacco products, including Swedish-style snus.

Reynolds American Inc. rolled out Camel Snus nationally in 2009. National marketing of Marlboro Snus is expected to begin this month.