Statement from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare on FDA's Proposed Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes and Other Nicotine-Delivering Products

PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today proposed regulation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), pipes, cigars and other nicotine-delivering products subject to FDA's jurisdiction through the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP).

As leaders in smoking cessation, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH) recognizes FDA's proposal as a good first step in regulating these nicotine products. We especially commend FDA on proposing e-cigarette manufacturers submit a list of ingredients in their products and warn that recreational nicotine is addictive. It is critical to regulate e-cigarettes as regulation provides the basis for understanding their safety, quality and purity, which is important to protect public health, especially youth.  

E-cigarettes have not been proven to help smokers quit. Some studies have shown recreational use of these products could potentially act as a gateway to create and sustain addiction. Currently, the level of nicotine delivered in e-cigarettes is unknown and there has been variability and inconsistency seen across different brands of products, leaving smokers unaware of the amount of nicotine they are receiving.

GSKCH is dedicated to helping smokers become quitters for life. For 20 years, GSKCH has sought to help consumers break their addiction to cigarettes with proven smoking cessation aids and behavioral support. Nicorette and NicoDerm CQ have helped millions fight the battle against smoking and can double a smoker's chance of quitting.

We are committed to helping people do more, feel better and live longer and will continually work to help every smoker break their nicotine addiction and make the right choice when quitting. GSKCH intends to submit written comments to the FDA public docket.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its well-known brands include Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ, the leading smoking cessation products; alli, the only FDA-OTC weight loss aid; as well as medicine cabinet staples, Aquafresh,® Sensodyne,® Tums® and Breathe Right,® all of which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.

About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: http://www.gsk.com.

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare