Harm Reduction

      Smokers are switching to our smoke-free alternatives

      Since the initial launch in 2014 in Nagoya, Japan, millions of smokers have chosen to go smoke-free with THS. As of September 30, 2021, PMI's smoke-free products are available for sale in 70 markets in key cities or nationwide. PMI's smoke-free product portfolio includes heat-not-burn, nicotine-containing vapor products, and oral nicotine products.

      To achieve the highest possible positive impact on public health, it is essential that adult smokers switch fully to smoke-free alternatives, while at the same time current non-smokers do not initiate in large numbers.

      Legitimate public health questions are being raised, including whether smoke-free products will increase initiation or cause relapse by former smokers. PMI has taken steps to address these concerns. For example, we have established a comprehensive pre-market Perception and Behavior Assessment program, as well as long-term surveillance studies to monitor for unintended consequences.

      RESEARCH

      Rigorous science is at the core of our development and assessment of smoke-free products

      The science behind the development and assessment of our smoke-free products is inspired by practices used in the pharmaceutical industry for the development of new drugs. We adhere to high scientific standards and our programs are aligned with the draft guidance issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in their Draft Guidance on Modified Risk Tobacco Products (2012).

      Explore our science
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      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.