COPD Foundation expresses concern over FDA’s rescission of marketing denial orders for JUUL products
Foundation emphasizes need to protect youth from e-cigarette risks
MIAMI & NEW YORK, (June 21, 2024) - The COPD Foundation has expressed concerns following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to rescind the marketing denial orders (MDOs) previously issued to JUUL Labs, Inc. The Foundation emphasizes the importance of protecting youth from the potential harms of e-cigarettes while recognizing the use of these products for adult smokers aiming to quit traditional cigarettes.
In June 2022, the FDA issued MDOs for JUUL products due to insufficient evidence regarding their safety and concerns about harmful effects. These concerns were rooted in conflicting data on potential toxicity and chemicals leaching from JUUL's e-liquid pods. The FDA paused these denials in July 2022 to conduct further scientific reviews and in June 2024, rescinded the MDOs to resume comprehensive evaluations of JUUL's applications.
"While we understand the need for the FDA to thoroughly review e-cigarette products, we remain deeply concerned about the significant rise in youth vaping," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "Many adults looking to quit traditional cigarettes use vaping and e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, but it is crucial that any decision regarding the marketing of these products rigorously considers the potential impact on young people.
The FDA has approved only 23 tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products for sale in the United States, yet manufacturers are still flooding the market with thousands of illegal candy-flavored options. The popularity of JUUL products among youth has led to increased nicotine addiction in this vulnerable population. Protecting our youth from the dangers of nicotine and ensuring that these products are not marketed to them should remain a top priority.
The COPD Foundation remains committed to advancing public health by supporting evidence-based policies and practices that help smokers quit while safeguarding the health of future generations. We encourage those who are looking to quit smoking to contact their healthcare professionals for the evidence-based treatment and support that can help them successfully quit tobacco use safely and for good."
For more information about the COPD Foundation's stance on vaping and e-cigarettes, please visit our website at copdfoundation.org.
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About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Crystal Rothhaar
(786) 749-7104 x468
mediarelations@copdfoundation.org