Tobacco Heating System

We have developed several variants of the Tobacco Heating System (THS) that are commercialized under the IQOS brand in various markets. HTPs or heated tobacco products, also known as heat-not-burn products, heat the tobacco just enough to release a nicotine-containing tobacco aerosol but without burning the tobacco. Because tobacco is heated and not burned there is no smoke, and in case of our HTPs the levels of harmful chemicals in the generated aerosols are significantly reduced compared to cigarette smoke. HTPs, though, are not risk free, and provide nicotine, which is addictive.

THS is the most developed and most thoroughly assessed of our smoke-free products. We have accumulated extensive nonclinical and clinical data to support its potential to reduce the risk of developing smoking-related diseases compared to continued cigarette smoking. 

Our approach is to develop a range of smoke-free products, so that adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke can find a suitable alternative that allows them to fully switch. 

What are heated tobacco units? 

Heated tobacco units contain a uniquely processed tobacco plug designed for heating. The tobacco plug is made from tobacco leaves, which are ground and reconstituted into tobacco sheets, called cast-leaf. These sheets are then crimped and made into a tobacco plug. Both versions of THS use different types of heated tobacco units, specially designed to be used with their corresponding device.  

How do our blade HTPs work? 

Our blade HTPs are available in two versions. The first version has three main components—a heated tobacco unit, a holder, and a charger. The second version is an integrated product that combines the holder and charger and allows multiple uses without recharging the battery. Both products contain an electronic system that heats the tobacco within a precisely controlled temperature range to avoid burning the tobacco. The system uses a heating blade, which acts as both a heater and temperature sensor.  

Each of the blade devices heat tobacco in this way. 

We have scientifically demonstrated that during the operation of THS, no combustion occurs, and the aerosol generated has on average 90-95% lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) than found in the smoke of a 3R4F reference cigarette used in tobacco research. Using THS indoors also does not adversely affect overall indoor air quality.

When the heated tobacco unit is inserted into the tobacco holder, the heating blade is embedded in the tobacco. Once turned on, the heating blade heats the tobacco while also monitoring its temperature to ensure consistent taste and avoid burning.   

A number of public health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reviewed our scientific evidence package regarding our HTPs. On July 7, 2020, FDA authorized the marketing  of a variant of the IQOS Tobacco Heating System as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) with reduced exposure information in the U.S. Learn more about the decision. These orders do not apply to all versions of the IQOS system. 

The integrated blade version of THS works the same way. It combines the holder and charger into a single unit that must be charged after at least 10 uses. Unlike the original three-part system, the integrated THS design allows for consecutive uses without the need of recharging after each use.   

How do our induction HTPs work?

The induction-based THS provides a different way of heating tobacco compared to the original heating blade. With this version, there is no direct contact between the electronics and the heating element.  

The induction system relies on specially designed heated tobacco units, each with their own internal heating element at their core. When the heated tobacco unit is inside the holder and the system is turned on, an electric current flows through the coil in the holder. This current creates a magnetic field that heats up the heating element inside the tobacco, which in turn heats the surrounding tobacco.  

Watch the video to see the induction HTP in action: