An interesting article from Reuters on the CTP research grants:
FDA recommendations on tobacco grants prompt transparency concerns | Reuters
Apparently all is not on the up and up in CTPgrantsville. Are we surprised?
IMO, this piece isn't saying much other than "be transparent (and therefore credible)" and that message coming from a person whose grant was turned down. The message still makes
sense, regardless of messenger, but article makes it seem like it is a grudge.
Occurs to me while reading this article that FDA likely won't have any (harsh) regulations come forth on
vaping until these studies conclude themselves, and even then, could result in no harsh regulations.
I feel obvious implication from
vaping enthusiasts perspective is that there is bias and that they don't see it, or plausibly, don't care. If organization existed called, "Addicting Kids to Nicotine" (goal is to get as many kids as possible hooked on nicotine), and they wanted to do scientific research that must be peer reviewed, AND they got a grant, then I see a whole bunch of people being critical of the process, even while it would be science. Sooooo, if grants are given to research organizations that have demonstrable bias against tobacco, AND they aren't being transparent about certain facets, I think they are setting themselves up for lack of credibility. Yet, politically, in world where majority love to hate on tobacco companies, this is -I reckon- mostly a non-issue, even while I think anyone with integrity would question whether or not this is credible scientific research being done, or is it confirmation bias looking for reinforcing data that will, or can, be used to justify certain regulations.
IMO, another instance of opposition overplaying their hand and repercussions from this will occur. Perhaps not anytime soon, but when you overplay your hand, it is inevitable that you get put in your proper place (and lose credibility in the process).
