Research

Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) Program

Philip Morris International (PMI) recognizes the importance of independent research in thoroughly assessing the risk reduction potential of smoke-free products. To support this, we launched the Investigator Initiated Studies (IIS) program, enabling qualified third-party researchers to explore scientific questions related to our smoke-free products. 

 

After years of running this program and completing several IIS studies within its framework, PMI has decided to discontinue the IIS Program in its current format and is exploring new avenues to provide financial support to external researchers conducting independent science on smoke-free products.

About the IIS program

The IIS program supported research efforts in which investigators:

  • Independently initiated, designed, and published their research, including corresponding raw data

  • Acted as the study sponsor, assuming all regulatory and legal responsibilities

Independent research supported through the IIS program spanned a wide range of scientific disciplines, including aerosol chemistry, toxicology, systems biology, and both preclinical and clinical studies. The program aimed to foster external research that could confirm and expand the scientific foundation behind PMI smoke-free products. Support included product supply and financial assistance, provided in accordance with industry standards for independence and transparency:

Learn more about our IIS program

Below, you can explore the studies and the publications produced by investigators supported through the IIS program.

Although the IIS program is no longer accepting new applications, the research developed within the IIS framework continues to contribute to the scientific understanding of smoke-free products and their role in supporting tobacco harm reduction.

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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. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.