Future of US E-cigarettes: Conversation with FDA Director Dr. Brian King

On February 24th at 1 PM Eastern Time (2 AM Beijing Time), the American Vaping Manufacturer Association (AVM) held a video conversation with Brian King, Director of the Tobacco Control Center (CTP) at the FDA. The discussion, titled "The Future of American Vaping: Conversations with Dr. Brian King from the FDA tobacco product center," was moderated by AVM Legislative Director Gregory Conley and newly appointed AVM Vice President Allison Boughner. 2FIRSTS has selected highlights relevant to e-cigarette regulation, and provided a translated, summarized excerpt.

AVM legislative director Gregory Conley. Photo source: AVM.

Brian King, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Photo source: AVM

At the start of the conversation, Gregory led the discussion by asking Brian if he agreed that electronic cigarettes pose less risk to the human body compared to traditional smoking. This was meant to steer Brian towards acknowledging the significant role of electronic cigarettes in harm reduction.

Brian stated that the risks of using electronic cigarettes are indeed lower than smoking. The FDA has observed that many adult smokers have successfully switched to vaping, which is seen as a positive result.

Subsequently, Gregory asked further why, if the harm reduction benefits of e-cigarettes are acknowledged, there is still a need to restrict e-cigarette marketing so drastically?

Brian responded by stating that the FDA is a scientific-based organization, and while there is evidence to support the harm-reducing benefits of electronic cigarettes, it cannot be denied that there are also many studies showing their potential harm to the human body. The FDA is currently weighing the risks of electronic cigarettes on teenagers, and there may be a need for more scientific evidence regarding their harm-reducing potential.

Nowadays, many e-cigarette manufacturers are innovating their products, and we encourage such behavior," Brian added. "However, it is important to consider the regulatory policies of the target market.

Gregory asked, "Has the FDA noticed that 99% of e-cigarette products on the market have not passed PMTA, which means they are essentially black market products. What is the FDA's response to this?

Brian stated that the FDA will continue to exercise the power granted to it by Congress by increasing enforcement efforts through marketing rejections and fines, while also expediting the PMTA approval process. However, Brian did not disclose the earliest possible completion time for PMTA approval.

Gregory stated that the FDA once referred to the proliferation of electronic cigarettes among young people as an "electronic cigarette epidemic." He believes that the use of the term "epidemic" demonizes electronic cigarettes and lacks scientific basis.

Brian stated that currently there are still 2.5 million adolescents using e-cigarettes in the United States, and the trend is continuing to grow. However, since taking office, the FDA has not used the word "epidemic" to refer to the popularity of e-cigarettes.

In addition to the conversation between Gregory and Brian, Allison, the Vice President of AVM, also raised some concerns about their member stores closing down due to regulations. Brian expressed regret about this and reiterated that his department was only carrying out their duties in accordance with the law.

Additionally, AVM has arranged for some of its member organizations to have a virtual dialogue with Brian. Topics will include the use of electronic cigarettes among the LGBTQ community and smoking cessation among older adults.