Quit For Good Urges US FDA to Promote Smoke-Free Alternatives for Adult Smokers
A non-profit organization in the Philippines, Quit For Good, is calling on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. While the FDA has been focused on preventing youth nicotine consumption, Quit For Good believes that it’s essential to also address the needs of adult smokers who are looking for better alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
The president of Quit For Good, Dr. Lorenzo Mata Jr., emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between protecting the youth and providing adult smokers access to less harmful options such as vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. He highlights the fact that combustible cigarettes are responsible for numerous preventable diseases and that strict regulations on smoke-free alternatives could hinder the positive impact on public health and healthcare expenses.
Dr. Brian King, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), acknowledged the progress made in reducing smoking rates among US adults but noted that 11.5 percent of adults still use combustible cigarettes. He also highlighted the significant financial burden caused by smoking, with the US government spending around $600 billion annually on healthcare costs and lost productivity.
Quit For Good argues that promoting smoke-free alternatives is a crucial step in combating smoking-related diseases and reducing the economic burden on the healthcare system. The organization points out that the UK has successfully implemented a strategy that embraces harm reduction and advocates for the US to follow suit by promoting, rather than restricting, smoke-free alternatives.
While US regulators have valid concerns about youth vaping, Quit For Good believes that proper regulation and enforcement, rather than outright restriction, would be a more balanced approach. By ensuring both the protection of youth and the provision of options for adult smokers, a comprehensive policy can be established.
The CTP, responsible for regulating tobacco products and e-cigarettes in the US, acknowledges the changing landscape of the tobacco industry. It has the authority to regulate all nicotine-containing products, including synthetic nicotine, and is prioritizing the regulation of combustibles given their known health risks.
Dr. King highlights the importance of scientific evidence in guiding the CTP’s decisions and emphasizes efforts to reduce youth e-cigarette use. While the number of children using e-cigarettes has decreased since 2019, there is still progress to be made in further reducing youth consumption.
As the CTP continues to work on regulations and premarket tobacco product applications, the public health communication regarding the relative risks of e-cigarettes and safer nicotine alternatives remains a priority.
In summary, Quit For Good is urging the US FDA to prioritize the promotion of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The organization believes that by striking a balance between protecting the youth and providing access to less harmful options, the US can make significant strides in reducing smoking-related diseases and healthcare costs.
