Controversy Heats Up Over Philip Morris’s IQOS Claims

Health campaigners have accused Philip Morris International of misrepresenting regulatory decisions about its heated tobacco device, IQOS, to the U.S. FDA. These groups argue that PMI's claims about reduced health risks are misleading and unsupported by recent independent studies. The FDA has yet to decide on PMI’s 2023 applications to market the device.

Health campaigners have formally accused Philip Morris International (PMI) of misrepresenting past regulatory decisions to disrupt the U.S. launch of its heated tobacco device, IQOS. In a detailed letter, six anti-tobacco and health groups claim PMI has wrongly suggested the FDA found that IQOS reduces disease risk.

The groups cited independent studies contradicting PMI's findings on user-switch rates, arguing that these discrepancies could affect the FDA's future decisions. The FDA previously authorized older versions of IQOS but rejected claims of reduced health risks. PMI's 2023 applications for new IQOS versions are still under review.

As the world's largest tobacco company seeks to expand its market, the controversy underscores the ongoing debate over the health impacts of heated tobacco products versus traditional cigarettes.

(With inputs from agencies.)