The following statement can be attributed to Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke.
Lung Foundation Australia strongly supports the final decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today to reject Philip Morris International’s (PMI) application to sell heated tobacco products (HTPs) in Australia.
The TGA found there was no compelling evidence to establish a public health benefit from greater access to nicotine in HTPs. It also found that the nicotine in the products presented a severe hazard from repeated use leading to potential addiction and a significant risk of producing irreversible toxicity, which may involve serious, acute or chronic health risks or death.
“As the nation’s leading and most trusted lung health charity, we endorse the unequivocal, evidence-based decision of the TGA,” Mr Brooke said.
“This decision by an independent and expert body reflects the majority view of our members and supporters, 90% of whom believe Australian authorities should wait until there is more evidence about the effects of novel tobacco products before approving them for use in Australia.
“In taking such a clear and strong stance, the TGA supports the continuation of Australia’s global leadership as a nation working towards a nicotine-free and tobacco-free society. These HTP devices are addictive, dangerous and designed to deliver big profits to Big Tobacco. Lung Foundation Australia will continue its fearless evidence-based advocacy to achieve a nicotine-free future for all Australians.”