Dr. Gary Giovino, professor and chair in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, has been appointed as a member of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).

As described on the FDA’s website, “TPSAC advises the FDA Commissioner or designee in discharging responsibilities as they relate to the regulation of tobacco products. The committee reviews and evaluates safety, dependence, and health issues relating to tobacco products and provides appropriate advice, information and recommendations to the Commissioner of food and drugs. The committee may consider and provide recommendations on any other matter as provided in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.” In a statement on the FDA’s website, Mitch Zeller, the Director of the Center for Tobacco Products (http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/NewsEvents/ucm436783.htm) acknowledged the expertise that Dr. Giovino brings to the Committee.

Dr. Giovino will serve as a special government employee, one of nine technically qualified voting members.  “I’m very honored to be joining such an esteemed group of professionals and researchers working to help the FDA make important scientific decisions.  My experience in the field lends itself well to this role and I am looking forward to the process.”