Tobacco advertising has a strong foothold in many countries in southeast Asia, where regulations are not only weak but also poorly enforced.

The pharmaceutical market in India is unique in that it is dominated by "branded" generics which enjoy a price premium though they are not superior to "unbranded" generics in either pharmacopoeia or therapeutic value. Aggressive marketing of branded generics has led to higher prices, irrational fixed dose combinations and concentration in the industry. It is high time India moved towards a de-branding of generic drugs.

To the dismay of public health experts, it has become common to see fast-food and sugary drinks companies sponsoring major sporting events. The 2014 FIFA World Cup, which started this week in Brazil, is no exception, says this editorial published in Lancet.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are products that deliver a nicotine-containing aerosol (commonly called vapor) to users by heating a solution typically made up of propylene glycol or glycerol (glycerin), nicotine, and flavoring agents (Figure 1) invented in their current form by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in the early 2000s. The US patent application describes the e-cigarette device as “an electronic atomization cigarette that functions as substitute for quitting smoking and cigarette substitutes” (patent No. 8,490,628 B2).

Graphic warnings (GWs) on cigarette packs are widely used internationally and perhaps will be in the US but their impact is not well understood. This study tested support for competing hypotheses in different subgroups of young adults defined by their history of cigarette smoking and individual difference variables (e.g., psychological reactance). One hypothesis predicted adaptive responding (GWs would lower smoking-related intentions) and another predicted defensive responding (GWs would raise smoking-related intentions).