Read articles from United States of America

February 28, 2024 by bloomberglaw.com

The FDA didn’t mislead two makers of flavored liquids for e-cigarettes when the agency denied their applications to market their products, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday. The US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit backed the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to toss the marketing applications for flavored liquids for e-cigarettes from Electric Clouds Inc. and Cloud 9 Vapor Products LLC. The two manufacturers requested judicial review of the FDA’s denials, which involved products bearing names such as Ice Cream Dream, Berries Gone Wild, Cap’n Berry Crack, Banana Colada, Apple Pie, and Candy Man.

February 28, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The FDA is pursuing $20,678 penalties on brick-and-mortar retailers who continue to sell unauthorized Elf Bar e-cigarettes despite warnings. Over 100 complaints have been filed, with concerns that these products are popular among U.S. youth. Retailers failing to address violations face consequences, as shown by the FDA's actions. The agency has issued numerous warning letters and taken enforcement actions against retailers, manufacturers, importers, and distributors for selling unauthorized tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

February 27, 2024 by news-medical.net

The University of California, Riverside study showed that vapers are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to e-cigarette aerosols. Nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin in e-liquids enhance COVID-19 infection. Adding benzoic acid to e-liquids can prevent this. The study used airway stem cells to simulate infection and found increased ACE2 and TMPRSS2 with nicotine exposure. Vapers are advised to stop vaping or use acidic e-liquids with benzoic acid to reduce susceptibility. The FDA could use these findings for e-cigarette regulations.

February 26, 2024 by deseret.com

A bill in Utah aims to ban most flavored e-cigarettes to reduce teen vaping, but vape shop owners fear it will benefit Big Tobacco. Senate's Dr. Plumb introduced SB61 to combat teenage nicotine use. Despite e-cigarettes being seen as safer, they pose health risks. The ban targets flavors popular with teens. Menthol, associated with increased addiction, is still legal. Opponents argue the ban limits adult access and harms businesses. Plumb stated the bill aims to protect young people. Despite protests against the bill, it passed the Senate and is awaiting final approval. Adjustments may be needed for affected businesses.

February 21, 2024 by news-medical.net

A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals that banning menthol cigarettes can significantly decrease smoking rates. Menthol cigarettes pose public health concerns as they make it easier to start smoking, increase nicotine absorption, and hinder quitting efforts. Globally, menthol cigarette usage varies, with a high prevalence among young people, minorities, and low-income individuals. Research indicates that national bans are more effective than local ones, leading to higher quit rates. The study supports the US FDA's proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, highlighting the harm caused by the delay in implementing the ban, especially among Black communities.

February 21, 2024 by medicalxpress.com

A study led by Gilbert Gimm at Mason's College of Public Health found that adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities have a higher prevalence of nicotine vaping compared to those without disabilities. The study also links major depressive episodes (MDEs) to vaping in this population. Researchers stress the need for support and early interventions for at-risk youth. Data from the study, published in Addictive Behaviors, suggests screening for depression as a risk factor for e-cigarette use among students with disabilities.

February 20, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The nicotine market in North America is evolving, with vape and oral sales rising while traditional combustibles still dominate. Major tobacco companies are shifting toward next-gen products, impacting combustible sales. The U.S. nicotine market is forecasted to reach $107.5 billion by 2024, with e-cigarettes projected to generate $8.8 billion. Nicotine pouches are also growing, with the U.S. market expected to reach $11.03 billion by 2027. In Canada, the market is smaller but growing, with nicotine sales projected at $12.3 billion in 2024.

February 15, 2024 by rstreet.org

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) to regulate the tobacco and nicotine market and reduce health risks. One of their priorities is understanding the impact of flavored tobacco and nicotine products like e-cigarettes and snus. The CTP must consider both sides of the debate - opponents believe flavored products encourage vaping among adults and minors, acting as a gateway to traditional cigarettes, while proponents argue they help people switch from combustible cigarettes to safer alternatives.

February 15, 2024 by reuters.com

A Missouri-based maker of menthol-flavored e-cigarette liquids on Wednesday urged a federal appeals court to revive its application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to continue selling its products, saying the agency had not given it fair notice of what approval would require. The appeal by SWT Global Supply Inc is one of a slew of similar cases by e-cigarette companies in the wake of the FDA's rule deeming e-cigarette products to be subject to the same law as cigarettes, and the agency's subsequent denial of millions of applications by manufacturers to sell their products.

February 14, 2024 by newsfromthestates.com

Gallivanting to Attleboro is the low-effort way for Rhode Islanders to evade the state’s cigarette tax. In Massachusetts, you’ll pay $3.51 in tax for a 20-pack of cigarettes. In Rhode Island, you’ll pay $4.25 for the same — the fourth highest cigarette tax in the nation, outpaced only by Connecticut ($4.35), Washington, D.C. ($4.50) and New York ($5.35). The state’s rank would climb to second place under Gov. Dan McKee’s proposed budget for fiscal 2025. McKee is calling to raise the tax by another 25 cents, starting Sept. 1, 2024, a move that would squeeze out an extra $2.4 million in state revenue.