RESEARCH
House Passes Bill that Bans Animal Model Research at the VA
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the fiscal year 2025 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. Included in the bill was a provision that requires all feline, canine, and nonhuman primate studies to be completed by 2026. The language further bans VA from funding any new animal model grants that would extend beyond 2026.
The language is a significant step further than previous Congressional report language that directed VA to “reduce or eliminate” cat, dog, and non-human primate research. The VA is already implementing its five-year plan to eliminate or reduce their use in research.
The American Thoracic Society strongly opposes the provision and is working as part of a broader research coalition to ensure researchers continue to be able to conduct studies using animal models in a way that is ethical and scientifically valid.
TOBACCO CONTROL
FDA Authorizes First Flavored E-Cigarette Products
This week the Food and Drug Administration granted the first ever market authorization of a menthol flavored e-cigarette product. While FDA had previously authorized tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products, allowing a menthol-flavored product on the market is a significant, and troubling, policy move by FDA.
A recent US Surgeon General report, supported by an extensive body of research, has shown that menthol-flavored tobacco products increase youth initiation, enhance the addictiveness of tobacco products and make it harder to quit tobacco use. “I am very disappointed in FDA's decision to approve menthol flavored e-cigarette products,” says Hasmeena Kathuria MD – Chair of the ATS Tobacco Action Committee.
Equally concerning is that FDA has approved the menthol-flavored e-cigarette products to come in very high nicotine concentrations – as high as 6 percent nicotine content. “The approved products contain nicotine levels that deliver more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes,” notes Dr. Kathuria. “It is concerning that an agency dedicated to protecting public health would approve such an addictive product. I strongly encourage the FDA to reconsider this decision.”
House Agriculture Subcommittee Includes Provision to Block FDA from Banning Menthol Cigarettes
The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the Food and Drug Administration, included a provision in the Subcommittee-passed FY25 Agriculture/FDA appropriations bill that effectively blocks the agency from banning menthol cigarettes or establishing nicotine standards for cigarettes. While the language does not technically stop the FDA from taking action, it requires that the agency meet a long list of milestones, some of which are unlikely to be achievable, before the FDA can ban menthol cigarettes or establish a nicotine product standard for cigarettes.
The ATS joined over 30 other medical and public health organizations in a sign-on letter to the House Appropriations Committee opposing the tobacco provision.
In July FY25, the Agriculture Appropriations bill will move to the full House Appropriations Committee. It is expected that Democrats will try to strike the tobacco provision during the full committee mark-up.
OXYGEN
ATS Virtual Hill Day on Access to Supplemental Oxygen – Seeking Volunteers
Want to reach out to Congress from the comfort of your own home (or office)? Sign up to participate in the ATS Supplemental Oxygen Access Virtual Hill Week!
The ATS is organizing a virtual Hill Week – the week of July 22, 2024 – to schedule virtual meetings with Congressional offices to urge them to cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act (S.3821/H.R. 7829). This is a pivotal moment to make our voices heard and to support the passage of this important legislation.
We hope you will join this advocacy effort. Register here!
