Innovation of electronic cigarette-style medical atomizers in the United States encounters obstacles, and FDA approval becomes a bottleneck for enterprise development

Innovation of electronic cigarette-style medical atomizers in the United States encounters obstacles, and FDA approval becomes a bottleneck for enterprise development

Several companies in the United States that develop e-cigarette-like devices to relieve medical conditions such as migraines and respiratory diseases continue to face skepticism from health authorities and the public. These companies believe that there is still a long way to go before they can get approval from health authorities, and they need to show evidence of the benefits of their devices during this period. It is reported that tobacco companies such as Philip Morris International have tried to enter this market earlier, but failed.

According to Reuters recently, several companies in the United States that develop e-cigarette-like devices to relieve medical conditions such as migraines and respiratory diseases continue to face skepticism from health authorities and the public. These companies believe that there is still a long way to go before they can get approval from health authorities, and they need to show evidence of the benefits of their devices during this period.

It is reported that Qnovia and MIIST Therapeutics have developed atomization devices similar to existing medical atomizers. These devices use e-liquid drugs to convert them into an atomized state for inhalation. In addition, Greentank also claims that it has developed a new device that addresses the safety issues of existing atomization devices, which can more effectively treat diseases such as migraines. Experts including Federico Buonocore, professor of alternative management of pulmonary medicines at Kingston University in the UK, believe that,

"Existing inhaled drug delivery devices are bulky and difficult to operate, so they are often used incorrectly. Designs similar to e-cigarettes can solve these challenges."

These companies say that compared with pills, inhalation can relieve pain faster and with fewer side effects. Inhalation treatment can relieve pain in seconds and has fewer side effects than traditional drugs. However, the potential harmful effects of inhalation devices at this stage are hindering the progress of these projects.

According to data from the World Health Organization, about three billion people worldwide suffer from migraines. In addition, hundreds of millions of people suffer from asthma or lung diseases that require inhaled drugs. The World Health Organization said that e-cigarettes may produce harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and heavy metals, and their long-term effects are still unclear.

Qnovia and MIIST plan to sell their products as a smoking cessation treatment by prescription. Greentank uses its heating chips for recreational marijuana and nicotine-containing atomization devices. At this stage, Greentank is looking for pharmaceutical partners to support the development of its drug management heating chips.

Qnovia plans to submit a drug application in the United States soon and in the United Kingdom in 2026, with clinical trials expected to begin in September.

Tobacco companies such as Philip Morris International have reportedly tried to enter the market earlier but failed. Health authorities point to many failures and health issues with inhalation devices.

Philip Morris International's CEO said it failed to meet its goals last year because the company was overly optimistic about market acceptance for developing a non-nicotine industry. An inhaled aspirin product developed by the company was also deemed ineffective after clinical trials last year.