What do independent studies show?

Dr. Gizelle Baker discusses what third party scientists look for when analyzing our products.

We encourage independent research on our methods, results, and products; including our lead product, the Tobacco Heating System (THS). The number of these studies has grown over the past few years, complementing the 340+ peer-reviewed publications and book chapters we've released related to our smoke-free products.

But what exactly do independent studies look for, and what do they show? Dr. Gizelle Baker, Director Global Scientific Engagement, explains.

Dr. Baker: There are over 135 papers that in some way, shape, or form touch on our lead product.

When it comes to the results [independent studies] verify the results that we’ve seen, whether it comes from the aerosol chemistry, indoor air quality, exposures to different compounds, and a lot of the in vitro and in vivo studies.

When we see differences, the differences we usually see are in the interpretation of the results. And when I look at this, I look at it as the main difference that I see is: "What is this product compared to?"

When you compare this product to smoke, what you generally see is vast reductions in the amount of toxicants that are emitted, and therefore the amount of exposure in people that switch to these products are exposed to, and therefore the potential to reduce the risk of disease.

Smoke-free products are for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking. They are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is addictive. The best choice any smoker can make is to quit cigarettes and nicotine altogether.

Independent Studies

Learn more about the independent studies on smoke-free products

Heated tobacco products, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes: What's the difference?

The evidence shows that heated tobacco products, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes are not all the same. We explain the difference between these products.

PMI Publications Library

Read scientific publications, presentations, and articles about our smoke-free product development and testing.

PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts to develop and assess products that have the potential to reduce individual risk and population harm associated with tobacco use. This site is for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not for advertising or marketing. It is not intended for use by consumers.

Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use 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 continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. Our RRPs are smoke-free products that produce an aerosol that contains far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.