Studies conducted to date clearly indicate that IQOS is likely to
present less risk of harm compared to smoking
LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 27, 2017--
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE/Euronext Paris: PM) today
announces the positive results from an advanced clinical study on IQOS,
the company’s first electronically heated tobacco product, published in
the peer-reviewed journal Nicotine
& Tobacco Research.
Conducted in Japan over a three-month period by the well-known clinical
research organization, the Osaki Hospital Tokyo Heart Center, the study
showed that smokers who switched to IQOS:
-
Reduced their exposure to 15 harmful chemicals to levels that
approached those of smokers who quit smoking;
-
Showed improvements in measured health indicators specific to
smoking-related diseases, such as lung and heart disease. In all
cases, the health indicators improved in the same direction as seen in
smokers who quit. Further testing through a longer-term study is
underway; and
-
Found the product satisfying and were likely to completely switch to
it.
The research was conducted in line with internationally respected
guidelines for clinical trials, such as Good Clinical Practice as
defined by the International Conference for Harmonization of Technical
Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. 160 smokers were divided
into three groups: continued smoking, quitting, and complete switching
to IQOS. Participants spent five days at a clinic and continued
the experiment at home for an additional 85 days, during which time
biological samples and measurements were regularly taken.
PMI’s research program to confirm the risk reduction potential of IQOS
includes laboratory and clinical studies, research on actual product
use, and evaluation of how well smokers understand communications
related to reduced risk. This and a related study are the latest of an
eight-part clinical research program completed on IQOS to support
reduced exposure and preliminary improvements in health outcomes. A
one-year study with about 1,000 participants is currently ongoing to
further support the current strong indications of risk reduction.
PMI’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Frank Lüdicke, said: “This study is
an important step to confirm that while IQOS is not risk-free, it is a
better choice for the millions of smokers who do not quit. It clearly
indicates that smokers who switch to IQOS reduce their exposure to
harmful compounds to levels that approach those of smokers who quit
smoking. The study also clearly indicates areas of significant risk
reduction which we are currently confirming through a longer term study.”
PMI is committed to replacing cigarettes with smoke-free products as
soon as possible to the benefit of smokers, society and public health.
Over 1.4 million smokers have already switched to IQOS, and the
company has plans to expand commercialization to key cities in 30-35
countries by the end of 2017. Since 2008, PMI has hired over 400
scientists and experts and invested over USD 3 billion in research,
development and early commercialization for its portfolio of smoke-free
products. The company has published over 200 peer-reviewed publications
and book chapters in the past ten years.
The study is available on www.pmiscience.com.
###
Philip Morris International Inc.
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is the world’s leading
international tobacco company, with six of the world's top 15
international brands and products sold in more than 180 markets. In
addition to the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, including Marlboro,
the number one global cigarette brand, and other tobacco products, PMI
is engaged in the development and commercialization of Reduced-Risk
Products (RRPs). RRPs is the term PMI uses to refer to products that
present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less
risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continued
smoking. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development,
state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-leading scientific
substantiation, PMI aims to provide an RRP portfolio that meets a broad
spectrum of adult smoker preferences and rigorous regulatory
requirements. For more information, see www.pmi.com
and www.pmiscience.com.
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Source: Philip Morris International
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