TPSAC Concludes Second Round of Discussions on Dissolvables

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- With its second round of discussions on dissolvable tobacco products now over, the Food and Drug Administration's Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) is putting pen to paper to summarize a report on the tobacco segment that will eventually land on the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services' desk.

The committee members spent all day today discussing the materials, presentations and public comments on dissolvable tobacco products it amassed over the two review meetings. The first meeting was held in July and focused mainly on industry presentations from Star Scientific and R.J. Reynolds. Star Scientific is the maker of Ariva and Stonewall; R.J. Reynolds is the maker of Camel Sticks, Camel Strips and Camel Orbs.

TPSAC convened this Wednesday, Jan. 18, to continue its review of issues related to the nature and impact of the use of dissolvable tobacco products on public health, including use among youths. The committee's goal is to finalize and vote on the report at the end of its March meeting. The final report and recommendations are due March 23.

To formulate its decision, TPSAC members are considering the risks to the population as a whole including users and non-users of tobacco products; the increased or decreased likelihood that existing users of tobacco products will stop using such products; and the increased or decreased likelihood that those who do not use tobacco products will start using such products.