Studies and Concepts Under Review

In this article, the Wall Street Journal Reports:

GlaxoSmithKline PLC called for the U.S. government to remove so-called dissolvable smokeless-tobacco products from the market, a move that shows emerging battle lines between pharmaceutical and tobacco companies aiming to sell alternatives to cigarettes.

Dr. Lawrence Deyton, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, sent letters in February to both Reynolds and Star Scientific in which he expressed concern that dissolvable tobacco lozenges, strips and sticks are candy-like in appearance and may appeal to the youth market.

Some public-health groups have argued that the newer products may represent a promising way to help wean smokers off cigarettes. But groups including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have voiced concern that the products could hook more Americans on nicotine.

Scientific studies have shown that smokeless tobacco products are significantly less harmful than cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco still carries risks, including the potential to raise blood pressure and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

Those having views and scientific studies on this matter should post them on this Forum.

Source: Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703694204575518294130892622.html