Philip Morris International Completes Two-Year Study on Heated Tobacco’s Health Impact
Philip Morris International (PMI) has completed a two-year clinical study. It was conducted across 37 medical institutes in Europe and Asia, with 900 participants. The study examined the effects of switching from regular cigarettes to heated tobacco systems (HTS).
Key Findings
The study showed smokers who switched to heated tobacco experienced health improvements. Their biomarkers were closer to those of people who quit smoking completely. Nine biomarkers were analyzed, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and heart and lung health. HTS users showed significant improvements compared to regular cigarette smokers.
Addressing Concerns
The study, funded by a tobacco company, raised questions about its reliability. PMI emphasized that the research followed international pharmaceutical standards. The full data is available on their website. Independent studies also support PMI’s findings. The American Heart Association’s research found that switching to electronic nicotine delivery systems reduces cardiovascular risk by 17%.
Regulatory Approval
In 2020, PMI’s product was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA confirmed that heated tobacco carries fewer health risks than regular cigarettes.
Future Research Plans
PMI will continue researching long-term health effects in real-world settings. They plan to study the impact of these products in Japan, where they have been used for over 10 years.
Impact on Public Health
Ongoing research may play a key role in advancing smoke-free technologies and improving public health.