FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced his resignation abruptly this week, concerning public health advocates who worry that his agenda on youth use of e-cigarettes could be undone.FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is abruptly resigning from the position after about two years in the office. He isGottlieb has been a harsh critic of e-cigarette use among young people and advanced tobacco proposals that would hit the industry hard.
His departure could be a boon for e-cigarette and tobacco companies, and public health advocates worry that progress made under his leadership could be undone.One of his signature stances, unusual for a role more associated with regulating new drugs, was a crackdown on e-cigarettes and tobacco products that Gottlieb said were designed to appeal to teens.could be a major boon for smoking and vaping companies.
The departure"will be broadly viewed as a positive for the tobacco industry, although this introduces some uncertainty," Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog said."Importantly, Gottlieb's 'blueprint' on E-cig actions is still expected to move forward, but the question is who will become its new champion."
Gottlieb, who has three young children and lives in Connecticut, has said he is leaving the office to spend more timeTwo major tobacco changes proposed under Gottlieb remain just that today, proposals.
Found naturally in tobacco, nicotine is a key part of what makes it so hard for smokers to quit. Reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes would have huge implications for smokers, as well as for the tobacco industry.