Regan-Udall Foundation review of FDA tobacco regulation “listening sessions” dominated by pro-industry speakers
The FDA has asked the Regan-Udall Foundation for recommendations on how to improve tobacco product regulation. The Foundation’s Tobacco Independent Expert Panel has had three “listening sessions” that have been dominated by industry players and “harm reduction” advocates. I have previously expressed concern about pro-industry leanings of the leadership of the R-U Foundation and some members of the Panel.
Here are the speakers:
Industry and industry allies (20)
Vapor Technology Association, Tony Abboud
American Vapor Manufacturers, Amanda Wheeler
Philip Morris International, Keagan Lenihan and JB Simko
Taxpayers Protection Alliance, Martin Cullip
Coalition of Manufacturers of Smoking Alternatives, Brittani Cushman
Altria Client Services, Paige Magness
Reason Foundation, Michelle Minton
Cigar Association of America, Barry Schaevitz
JMS Scientific Engagement, Jim Solyst
NJOY, Jeffrey Weiss
Consumer Choice Center, Jeff Stier
University of Louisville, Brad Rodu
Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association, Kimberly Hesse
Latham & Watkins/ITG Brands, Ben Haas
R Street Institute, Mazen Saleh, MSc
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Lyle Beckwith
RAI Services Company (Reynolds American, Inc), John F. O’Brien
22nd Century Group, John Pritchard
Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association, Alex Clark
Americans for Tax Reform, Tim Andrews
Pro-e-cigarette harm reduction advocates (2)
University of Minnesota, Dorothy Hatsukami
National Tobacco Reform Initiative, Michael Cummings
Public health (10)
Public Health Law Center, Desmond Jenson
American College of Preventive Medicine, Donna Grande, MGA
Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education, UCSF, Lauren Lempert
American Heart Association, Susan K. Bishop
University of Louisville School of Medicine, American Heart Association Tobacco Regulation Center, Aruni Bhatnagar
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Matthew Myers
American Academy of Pediatrics, James Baumberger, MPP
American Lung Association, Erika Sward
Cancer Action Network (American Cancer Society), Catherine (Katie) McMahon
Truth Initiative, Stacey Gagosian
Stanton Glantz blog 
But surely the whole idea of effective consultation is to listen to all stakeholders? I’d be more concerned at the Bloomberg funded groups such as the “Truth Initiative”. An effective consultation should be able to distinguish the truth from misinformation. Wish it well in it’s findings.
LikeLike
Of course the committee should hear from industry. I was commenting on balance.
FYI Bloomberg doesn’t fund Truth Initiative. Truth has been around (originally as American Legacy Foundation) well before Bloomberg got involved with tobacco control.
LikeLike