FDA Criticized for Lack of Action on Nicotine Alternatives

Sep.22.2022
FDA Criticized for Lack of Action on Nicotine Alternatives
FDA criticized for failing to regulate safe nicotine substitutes, with delays in PMTA and Juul marketing refusal.

The FDA has faced scrutiny for various reasons related to its handling of safer alternatives to nicotine products. This is no secret. Last month, the agency was heavily criticized by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). In a letter referencing a report by STAT, the Senators stated that the FDA "seems to be failing again in protecting our nation's children" for not taking action on the ban of synthetic nicotine announced earlier this year.


Similarly, Matt Myers, the chairman of the Smoke-Free Kids movement, emphasized that the FDA should exercise its power to withdraw products from the market. "All unauthorized synthetic nicotine products are currently illegal and must be immediately removed from the market in accordance with the law, rather than on some unspecified date in the future.


Moreover, the organization has continuously faced condemnation for failing to comply with the deadline and timely completion of the PMTA process. To make matters worse, the FDA has been forced to temporarily suspend the newly released Juul Marketing Denial Order (MDO).


To ensure that the mistakes are being taken seriously, Commissioner Califf has announced an evaluation of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). In a press release, he stated that he has discussed the assessment with the leaders of the relevant centers and offices, who welcome the opportunity to work towards improvement. "Each field is filled with diligent and talented individuals who devote their careers to various scientific, policy, legal, and administrative activities. FDA employees should receive the best possible support so that they can fulfill their steadfast commitment to public health and the American public we serve," he added.


The review will be conducted by the non-profit organization, Reagan-Udall Foundation along with undisclosed experts. The aim is to assess the "processes and procedures, resources, and organizational structure" of the Food Plan and CTP.


I don't think this will bring about a huge change," said a former CTP employee quoted by Filter. "It's unclear at this point whether the Reagan-Udall Foundation is an anti-vaping collaborator or if it will become a true partner for millions of adult users of e-cigarette products trying to quit smoking.


The FDA has failed to fulfill its regulatory mandate without remorse, by not approving electronic cigarette products that could benefit public health. This is not a matter of the system being overwhelmed or underfunded - the agency collects nearly $1 billion in user fees annually.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is only intended for industry exchange and learning purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness and accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry-related research and communication.


Due to limitations in the level of translation, the compiled article may not fully match the original text. Please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any issues pertaining to domestic affairs, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign relations.


The copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Rethinking Nicotine Harm Reduction: A Neuroscientist’s Perspective on Scientific Gaps and Future Directions — By Dr. Xin-an Liu
Rethinking Nicotine Harm Reduction: A Neuroscientist’s Perspective on Scientific Gaps and Future Directions — By Dr. Xin-an Liu
After France’s ANSES report on nicotine products and harm reduction, Dr. Xin-an Liu wrote to 2Firsts reassessing the field’s foundations. She argues the debate reveals gaps in evidence on long-term behavioral substitution, addiction pathways and neurobiological impacts, and calls for longitudinal research, integrated behavioral science and neuroimaging, clearer risk assessment and stronger transparency to ensure policy and next-generation product development rest on solid evidence.
Industry Insight
Feb.24
22nd Century Positions VLN® Cigarettes for Growth as FDA Considers 0.7 mg/g Nicotine Cap
22nd Century Positions VLN® Cigarettes for Growth as FDA Considers 0.7 mg/g Nicotine Cap
22nd Century Group (Nasdaq: XXII) reported early commercial momentum for its FDA-authorized VLN® very low nicotine cigarettes, distributing approximately 8,800 cartons across 1,700 new U.S. retail outlets in the fourth quarter of 2025, while forecasting expansion to more than 5,000 retail points in 2026.
Business
Feb.24
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia moves ahead with vape sales ban plan; PMI urges Japan-style differentiated excise taxes
Malaysia plans to implement a ban or restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping products as early as mid-2026 and no later than year-end. The head of Philip Morris Malaysia and Singapore said the government should look to Japan’s approach of regulating and taxing different tobacco and nicotine products differently, warning that an outright ban could push demand into illicit channels.
Feb.02
FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
FDA Highlights Product Characterization as a Foundational Requirement in ENDS PMTA Reviews
During its ongoing PMTA roundtable, FDA emphasized that product characterization is a foundational element in the review of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The agency underscored the need for complete product identifying information, validation and verification of test methods on the specific product type, and the appropriate use of tobacco product master files (TPMFs) to support complex or proprietary ingredients in PMTA submissions.
Feb.10
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Seeks to Keep Vape Shops Away From Schools
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Seeks to Keep Vape Shops Away From Schools
A Pennsylvania lawmaker is seeking legislation that would require newly licensed vape shops to be located at least 1,000 feet away from K-12 schools in the state. The proposal was put forward by State Representative Chris Pielli.
Mar.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA “Shine Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA, expands capsule range to seven variants
Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA “Shine Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA, expands capsule range to seven variants
Philip Morris Korea said on Feb. 5 it has introduced “TEREA Shine Pearl,” a new TEREA stick designed for the IQOS ILUMA heated-tobacco device. The company said the product delivers a cool sensation and adds a fresh, fruity note when the capsule is crushed, bringing TEREA’s capsule-based lineup in South Korea to seven variants.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai