The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to set up its new tobacco-regulation unit despite pending lawsuits from tobacco companies such as Reynolds American, Inc., and Lorillard, Inc., Reuters reported Nov. 3.

"Congress is very clear what it wants me to do. I'm moving ahead," said Lawrence Deyton, M.D., the chief of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. "Nobody's told me not to."

The law establishing the center, which will regulate the ingredients in tobacco products and oversee the marketing of the products, took effect in June. Tobacco companies including Reynolds and Lorillard sued the FDA in August, saying the new law restricts their free-speech rights to advertise their products.