Robin Koval : If cigarettes were introduced today , they 'd never be approved for market . Koval : The FDA has a lot of power to regulate tobacco products because it's the agency that approves drugs and medical devices. Koval : Now , two giant tobacco companies are merging , which seems like a throwback . She says merger could be opportunity to create product that does n't kill half its users .
Robin Koval : If cigarettes were introduced today , they 'd never be approved for market . Koval : Attitudes are changing ; R.J. Reynolds lost lawsuit filed by widow of lung cancer victim . Koval : Now , two giant tobacco companies are merging , which seems like a throwback . She says merger could be opportunity to create product that does n't kill half its users .