Philip Morris International Launches Healthier Alternatives for Smokers

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - JUNE 30: Consumers smoke electronic cigarettes at a mall on June 30, 2013 in Manila, Philippines. Electronic cigarettes are gaining popularity among former heavy smokers and are increasingly turning to the vapor-based slim metal tubes as an alternative to nicotine use. The use of E-cigarettes or "Vaping", using a battery powered metal tube vaporizer to inhale nicotine infused with exotic flavors ranging from cinnamon to bubblegum have more than doubled in the past few years. Although not yet heavily regulated as tobacco, around a hundred stores catering to the rapidly expanding market have emerged. Philippine health officials have recently called for a temporary halt on the sale of electronic cigarettes pending further study and the unproven efficacy of the nicotine-based devices as well as being a dangerous gateway for minors to try smoking. (Photo by Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)

In its passion and drive to provide better choices to people who smoke, Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI”), the global leader in smoke-free innovation and science, has launched the next generation of IQOS. The new IQOS 3 and IQOS 3 MULTI integrate extensive consumer insights and feedback to improve design and user experience while maintaining signature taste, sensory attributes and ritual—all underpinned by strong scientific substantiation. The new versions aim to further encourage a growing number of smokers to switch, to the benefit of their health, public health and, ultimately, society.

The new iterations were launched in Tokyo, Japan—the country considered the birthplace of IQOS. The iconic brand offers the best in taste and satisfaction in the category, and almost 6 million adult smokers have already quit cigarettes—with more than half of those in Japan.

“Our dream was to create a better alternative for smokers, and IQOS has made this dream a reality; it’s a revolution for the 1.1 billion people who smoke,” said André Calantzopoulos, PMI’s chief executive officer. “IQOS 3 and IQOS 3 MULTI deliver significant improvement and innovation and mark another step toward convincing all men and women who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch to smoke-free alternatives. IQOS consumers know that this product changes many things in their lives—we thank them, and we thank Japan for leading this positive change.

Behind every development at PMI is robust science. Its scientific assessment program is based on longstanding practices of the pharmaceutical industry and is in line with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. IQOS produces an aerosol that contains on average 90 percent lower levels of harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke. The totality of PMI’s preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that switching completely to IQOS presents less risk of harm than continued smoking. Evidence also shows that IQOS does not negatively affect indoor air quality. On average, 70 to 80 percent of IQOS users have quit cigarettes, which makes IQOS the most compelling smoke-free alternative today.

PMI has filed a Modified Risk Tobacco Product Application (MRTPA) for IQOS with the U.S. FDA, but the U.S. FDA has not yet completed its review of our data. IQOS is not for sale in the United States.