- General
- October 13, 2021
- 5 minutes read
Alert: US FDA Permits First E-Cigarettes, Citing Smoker Benefits
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized its first set of electronic cigarette products, citing some benefits to their…
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized its first set of electronic cigarette products, citing some benefits to their use for adult smokers trying to quit tobacco. The authorization is noteworthy for general e-cigarette products that have been tainted with scandals and controversy for their high use rate among teens.
- The FDA permitted three e-cigarette products from Vuse Solo, a brand distributed by British American Tobacco (LON: BATS). Vuse is the No. 2 vaping brand in the US behind Juul, a rival currently in the FDA’s crosshairs.
- Vuse sought permissions for 13 vape products, but 10 were denied, and only 3 were accepted. It shows the FDA’s strictness in regulating vape products after locking its eyes on the sector.
As it permitted its first vape products, the FDA issued strict guidelines concerning their marketing, including restricting internet, radio, and TV ads to “greatly reduce the potential for youth exposure.”
- For a long time, vape product makers like Vuse touted their products helping adult smokers quit tobacco products, claims with some degree of verity. However, there’ve been significant concerns of non-smokers turning towards vape products that still carry some harm, which opened the gates of FDA regulation when teen use of vape products spiked.
- The FDA took swift action by imposing marketing restrictions, including requiring approval from the agency before a company markets new vape products in the US. It’s under this guideline the agency authorized Vuse Solo’s tobacco-flavored pods.
“Today’s authorizations are an important step toward ensuring all new tobacco products undergo the FDA’s robust, scientific premarket evaluation,” said Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, in a statement.
“The manufacturer’s data demonstrates its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products — either completely or with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption — by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals,” Zeller added.
- For Vuse’s main rival, Juul, the FDA hasn’t made its final decision on the company despite ordering most of its products off the market. It’s been a major downfall for Juul, whose valuation was cut from $38bn in 2018 to below $5bn last year.
