Earlier this year, UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved its first electronic cigarette clinical trial. Reuters reports that the British American Tobacco (BAT) received the proper medical licenses to commence clinical trials this year. This means that its e-Voke vapouriser is eligible to be prescribed as a smoking cessation treatment. This will be the first e-cig officially approved to treat smoking addiction in the UK.
For the past few years, advocates of electronic cigarettes have stated that e-cigs effectively reduce the need for traditional cigarettes. Smokers across the world have turned to e-cigs to help them quit smoking, but until now there has never been a scientific study to test this assertion. BAT’s eVoke vapouriser uses pharmaceutical-grade e-liquid that has been MHRA approved. The e-liquid was tested for safety and on several other variables. It is still unknown when or where the NHS-subsidized e-Voke will be available. BAT is currently undergoing talks to commercialize the product, meaning it has gotten regulatory approval to produce the pharmaceutical-grade e-liquid in bulk.
Despite the recent success of BAT’s eVoke vapouriser, e-cigarettes in general are facing even more regulations this year in the United Kingdom. New, more restrictive EU rules will be coming into effect in May that will classify electronic cigarettes as tobacco-related products. The MHRA believes that the increased scrutiny will make vaping products safer for users, and MHRA representatives seem confident e-cigs may play a role in helping smokers kick the habit. The MHRA wants to make sure that all licensed nicotine containing products — like-cigarettes – that make medicinal claims always undergo proper safety, quality, and efficacy tests.
North American e-cig merchants must pay attention to the effects of the BAT clinical trials. Positive results could be used to advocate for medical purposes in North America. Proof that e-cigs can cure smoking addiction will open an entire new e-cig industry for merchants to explore. eMerchantBroker.com is experienced at handling e-cig merchant accounts. We offer superior service through a streamlined application process, low rates, and competent payment processing systems. Our merchant advisors are the best in the business. Don’t wait to multiply your profits! Start today.