For the First Time, FDA Authorizes Marketing of an E-cigarette
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first electronic nicotine
delivery system (ENDS), better known as “e-cigarettes.” The agency gave permission
to the R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company to market the "Vuse Solo closed ENDS device
and accompanying tobacco-flavored e-liquid pods.”
The FDA noted in its statement that the product is "appropriate
for the protection of public health."
The
agency asserted that based on the data presented the tobacco-flavored products
could be helpful to smokers who switch to e-cigarettes to reduce their cigarette
use, and that the possible benefit to these smokers “outweigh the risk to youth.”
The FDA further noted that most youth tend to use flavored ENDS products, whereas
the products authorized are not flavored and thus “less appealing to the youth.”
The FDA stressed that “while today's action permits the tobacco products
to be sold in the U.S., it does not mean these products are safe or ‘FDA approved’.
All tobacco products are harmful and addictive . . .”
