England could be the first country in the world to prescribe medicinally licensed e-cigarettes to help reduce smoking rates.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is publishing updated guidance that paves the way for medicinally licensed e-cigarette products to be prescribed for tobacco smokers who wish to quit smoking, a move that has been welcomed by Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.

The announcement could mean England becomes the first country in the world to prescribe e-cigarettes licensed as a medical product.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine and are not risk free, but expert reviews from the UK and US have been clear that the regulated e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking. E-cigarettes were the most popular aid used by smokers trying to quit in England in 2020.

Javid said: “This country continues to be a global leader on healthcare, whether it’s our Covid-19 vaccine rollout saving lives or our innovative public health measures reducing people’s risk of serious illness. Opening the door to a licensed e-cigarette prescribed on the NHS has the potential to tackle the stark disparities in smoking rates across the country, helping people stop smoking wherever they live and whatever their background.”