Advocates Urge FDA To Probe Electronic Cigarette Claims

Several health advocacy groups have called on FDA to investigate claims by electronic cigarette manufacturers that the products help individuals to quit smoking regular cigarettes. In a letter sent last week to Janet Woodcock, director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the groups noted that a Truth in Advertising review of 150 e-cigarette manufacturer and seller websites stated that the products helped regular cigarette users to quit smoking. However, the groups said that FDA first has to approve such claims before manufacturers and sellers can legally use them to market the products.

• "Health Groups Urge FDA To Investigate E-Cig Therapeutic Claims" (Wheeler, The Hill, 10/19).