This week, acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Ned Sharpless posted a blog outlining how the agency is regulating e-cigarettes. While there is no new information announced, the post outlines the agency’s concern and action to prevent youth access, his continued interest in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as a less harmful alternative to combustible cigarettes for those who want to stop smoking, and the agency’s recent regulatory activity.

“As a physician and scientist, the issue of ENDS use continues to interest me. With further research, we will come to understand the toxicities of ENDS, as well as their possible value to reduce combustible cigarette use, and these features will ultimately dictate their long-term impact on the public health," wrote Sharpless. "But we do know today that our nation’s youth are initiating use of these products in alarming numbers, and as Acting FDA Commissioner, I will do everything in my power to prevent a new generation from beginning a lifetime of nicotine addiction like those of the past. I am personally dedicated to leading FDA on this issue. I assure you that we are working as hard and expeditiously as possible to protect the public's health from the harms associated with e-cigarette use."