Watchdog Praises FDA Decision on Reduced-Risk Products

For Immediate Release
July 7, 2020
Contact: Grace Morgan
(202-855-4380)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance praised the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for authorizing the marketing of a tobacco heating system called “IQOS” as a “modified risk tobacco product (MRTP).” As a result of the FDA decision, the manufacturer of IQOS can now provide information to consumers on IQOS’ reduced exposure to harmful, cancer-causing substances. The FDA made the decision after the producer demonstrated that, “because the IQOS Tobacco Heating System heats tobacco and does not burn it, it significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals compared to cigarette smoke.”

TPA President David Williams praised the FDA’s decision, noting, “this is an historic moment for the FDA since this is the first reduced exposure order ever, and certainly the first MRTP for a new/novel tobacco product. And, now, after more than three years of weighing the evidence on IQOS’ safety, the agency is finally allowing the product to be accurately presented to consumers as a safer, far healthier alternative to deadly combustible cigarettes. Smokers looking for an alternative to their deadly habit will finally learn the truth that IQOS reduces the production of harmful chemicals found in traditional tobacco products. More than 34 million smokers in the US have a viable, reduced-risk alternative to a product responsible for a host of life-threatening ailments such as lung cancer and heart disease. The FDA’s decision will empower consumers to reject misinformation and be in the know about these harm-reduction products that mirror the experience of smoking with far less risk.”

Williams continued: “Even though the agency has taken its time in evaluating the ample evidence on the safety of IQOS, the FDA deserves praise for finally listening to the science and allowing this revolutionary product to succeed in the marketplace. Innovative tobacco harm reduction products have been shown in countless studies to be far safer than cigarettes and have the capacity to save millions of lives. IQOS will give these smokers the opportunity to lead better and healthier lives, but only if consumers have enough information to make an informed choice in making the switch. The FDA’s greenlighting of ‘reduced exposure’ information for consumers sends a powerful message that the agency cares about saving smokers’ lives.”

Williams concluded: “Today’s decision is a large step in the right direction for public health and risk reduction. The FDA should expand this approach to other harm-reduction products and allow consumers access to all the information that they need about these devices. Millions of lives depend on a level-headed approach grounded in science and data.”

#