GlaxoSmithKline Plc is lobbying for more stringent regulation of electronic cigarettes, which compete with its Nicorette gum and other smoking cessation products.
According to Bloomberg, GSK is urging the European Commission to require e-cigarettes to be licensed as medicines. The commission is revising the Tobacco Products Directive to regulate products such as e-cigarettes that don’t contain tobacco, yet are linked to tobacco use.
Glaxo, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis AG all make smoking cessation products that compete with e-cigarettes.
Read the Bloomberg press release