Acting FDA Commissioner Signals Intent to Continue Gottlieb’s Work on Vaping
In his first public remarks as Acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Dr. Ned Sharpless said he will continue on the same path that former Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb laid out for the agency’s work on tobacco and e-cigarettes. In comments to the staff at the FDA, the Commissioner Sharpless said, ”Let me dispel any misconceptions that the change in leadership reflects some desire of the president or the secretary for the FDA to go in a different direction from the Gottlieb era."
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, who was also present, added, “and the White House have been very clear with me that they have been impressed with the FDA’s efforts and would like to see this strong progress continue.”
The FDA has issued draft guidance on a new plan to severely limit sales of e-cigarettes. CDA urges members to submit comments to the agency by April 30. Instructions on how to do so can be found here.