FDA Approves First Electronic Cigarette: VUSE SOLO
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We are all acquainted with e-cigarettes, but only now do we come across the first FDA-approved e-cigarette in the U.S. It happened with the Vuse Solo E-Cigarette made by Vuse Vapors.
This is the first time that the regulating agency has shown that their decisions may align with what vape brands have been trying to say for many years; that e-cigarettes like the Vuse Solo can pose a benefit to adults trying to quit smoking and that this outweighs the risk of underage consumption.
In official statements, the FDA director for tobacco products argued that the data provided by the manufacturer “demonstrates its tobacco-flavored products could benefit addicted adult smokers who switch to these products…”, he also said that they make this possible “by reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals”.
However:
He also warned that the FDA’s decision could be withdrawn depending on how the use of the product by non-tobacco consumers evolves once it’s on the market. One of the most important things that the FDA seems to focus on is if a vaping product raises the odds of non-consumers picking up tobacco or nicotine. This includes, but is not limited to young people.
On the other hand:
Bans against flavored e-cigarettes still stand. As is validated by the rejection for FDA approval of 10 other flavored Vuse Solo products.
The approved pods that go with this product are all tobacco-flavored, which does not get in the way of the flavor ban. A prohibition that was put into action based on the premise that data suggested that young adults who used Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are more likely to start doing so with fruit, candy, or mint-flavored products in the market.
Given the tense political climate in the industry, it took close to a year for the FDA to arrive at a final decision on the Vuse Solo. And only made it public after carefully examining the potential pros and cons the decision could have on public health.
The determination still requires the manufacturer to comply with advertising restrictions and multiple anti-vaping entities are sure to express disappointment in the verdict.
However:
This turn of events gives new hope to other vape brands awaiting an FDA decision as is the case with market leader Juul and vape stores across the country trying to run their business.
