Podcast Summary
Discussing the UK's plan to create a smoke-free generation with PMI: The New Statesman podcast, in partnership with PMI, explores the UK's proposed ban on tobacco sales to those born after 2009, with PMI's Dr. Moira Gilchrist advocating for smoke-free solutions
The New Statesman podcast, in collaboration with Philip Morris International (PMI), discussed the UK government's plan to create the first smoke-free generation by banning the sale of tobacco products to those born after January 1, 2009. PMI, whose representative, Dr. Moira Gilchrist, was interviewed, retained full editorial control of the episode. Although PMI paid for the episode, no questions were off-limits, and they were only allowed to fact-check the content. The discussion addressed concerns about listening to a tobacco company representative talk about reducing smoking, but Dr. Gilchrist explained her rationale for joining PMI to help create smoke-free solutions. The UK's proposed legislation on vapes and tobacco alternatives was also discussed. The episode encourages listeners to share their views on the partnership and the discussion.
PMI's Smoke-Free Transformation since 2014: PMI has been committed to bringing smoke-free alternatives to market since 2014, including heated tobacco and e-cigarettes, and encourages regulation to reduce harm caused by smoking.
Philip Morris International (PMI) has been actively working towards a smoke-free future since around 2014, with the announcement of their smoke-free business strategy coming in 2016. This transformation is not a recent development, but rather a response to the promising science behind smoke-free alternatives and the interest of adult smokers. While PMI has faced criticism for past actions that may not align with a smoke-free future, such as suing the UK government over tobacco regulations, the company is now fully committed to bringing new smoke-free products to market. These products, including heated tobacco and e-cigarettes, are technologically different but have similar scientific outputs. PMI welcomes strict regulation on combustible cigarettes but encourages governments to encourage smokers to try and switch to these smoke-free alternatives completely. The company's focus is on reducing the harm caused by smoking and transitioning from their past as a tobacco company to a future as a leader in smoke-free alternatives.
Heated tobacco and e-cigarettes: Reduced harm compared to traditional cigarettes: Switching to heated tobacco or e-cigarettes can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, but they're not risk-free and should only be used by adults who currently smoke.
Heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, offer reduced levels of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals compared to traditional cigarettes. These products heat tobacco or a nicotine solution without combustion, resulting in a significant reduction of harmful chemicals associated with smoking-related diseases. However, it's important to note that these products are not risk-free and are designed for adults who currently smoke. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed extensive evidence and concluded that switching to these products can significantly reduce exposure to harmful and potentially harmful chemicals. However, none of these products are completely risk-free and should not be used by non-smokers or children. The marketing of lighter cigarettes in the past as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes serves as a reminder that these products should not be considered a completely safe alternative to quitting nicotine altogether.
PMI's Transparency Initiative and Tobacco Bill Stance: PMI advocates for transparency, making research data public, and supports adult smokers' transition to smoke-free alternatives, while not actively opposing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Philip Morris International (PMI) is committed to providing transparent evidence regarding the potential impact of their products, acknowledging the industry's past lack of trustworthiness. They have made all scientific publications, FDA applications, and study source data publicly available to encourage informed decision-making based on evidence rather than opinion. Regarding the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, PMI is not actively opposing it but believes it does not effectively address the current smoking problem among adults. They argue that political focus and resources could be better allocated to help current smokers transition to smoke-free alternatives, potentially achieving a smoke-free society in the UK within the next 10-15 years for all age groups. PMI was not one of the tobacco companies lobbying MPs to vote against the bill.
1. Tobacco industry open to discussions about measures to end smoking: The tobacco industry is open to evidence-based policies to reduce smoking but opposes bills that conflate cigarettes with alternatives like vapes and heated tobacco products, which have shown to decrease smoking rates in real-world data.
While the tobacco industry advocates for evidence-based policies to policymakers, they are open to discussions about measures that can accelerate the end of smoking. However, they express concerns about bills that conflate cigarettes with heated tobacco products, as it goes against available evidence and may confuse adult smokers. The industry supports education campaigns to inform smokers about alternatives to smoking, such as vapes and heated tobacco products, and is open to discussions about supply and demand measures. Contrary to concerns that these alternatives could be a gateway to smoking, real-world data shows the opposite. For instance, in Japan, where heated tobacco products are prevalent, cigarette sales have plummeted. Similarly, in the UK, where vaping is prevalent, cigarette smoking rates have gone down. Therefore, the industry believes that these alternatives can help reduce smoking rates rather than increase them.
Sweden's Low Smoking Rates and Alternative Products: Sweden's high prevalence of alternative products like Snus contributes to low smoking rates, with no gateway effect, and they might be a gateway out of smoking. However, none are risk-free, and quitting smoking is the best option.
Sweden's high prevalence of alternative products like Snus contributes to having some of the lowest smoking rates in the world. This phenomenon, called common liability, suggests that people who are more likely to smoke are also more likely to use alternatives. The real-world evidence indicates no gateway effect, but rather, these products might be a gateway out of smoking. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that none of these products are risk-free, and the best option is never to start smoking or quit if you have. For those who don't, these alternatives are a much better choice than continuing to smoke. The ongoing dangers include risks related to heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and vapes. Critics may raise concerns about the potential conflict of interest since PMI sells products that cause asthma and owns a pharmaceutical company, Vectura, which produces asthma inhalers. PMI clarifies that they purchased Vectura to access future revenue streams unrelated to smoking or smoking-related diseases. It's essential for all stakeholders, including the media, tobacco companies, and public health professionals, to provide accurate information to help people make informed choices.
Tobacco companies exploring new avenues beyond cigarettes: Tobacco companies are investing in smoke-free alternatives and reducing the share of combustible cigarettes to transition away from cigarettes, unlock new revenue streams, and contribute to reducing smoking-related health issues.
Tobacco companies, like Vectura and Philip Morris International (PMI), are exploring new avenues beyond their current product portfolios to help transition away from cigarettes and reduce smoking-related health issues in the long term. This shift is driven by the strategic interest to unlock new revenue streams and abandon cigarettes more quickly. Critics may view this as a short-term approach, but tobacco companies argue that unilaterally stopping cigarette sales would only lead to competitors fulfilling the demand. Instead, they are pursuing a managed transition by investing more in smoke-free alternatives and reducing the share of combustible cigarettes. PMI's progress in this area is evident, with smoke-free products making up 36% of their net revenues in 2022. Despite the continued popularity of cigarettes, the growth in smoke-free alternatives indicates a move towards a future where tobacco companies can contribute to reducing smoking-related health issues.
PMI's Dominance in Cigarette Market and Transition to Heated Tobacco Products: Despite restrictions, PMI maintains a large global market share for cigarettes and leads in smoke-free alternatives, driving the industry towards non-combustible options. Adults deserve informed choices to make.
While Philip Morris International (PMI) faces restrictions in certain countries that prevent the sale of their heated tobacco products, they continue to dominate the cigarette market with a 23.7% global market share, excluding the US and China. Heated tobacco products account for a 4.7% market share, which is not smoke-free. PMI is a corporation with a responsibility to shareholders to remain competitive, and they will continue to sell cigarettes as they transition to smoke-free alternatives. However, PMI is the market leader in smoke-free alternatives and is driving the industry away from combustible cigarettes. The more choice consumers have, the more likely they are to transition away from cigarettes. While some argue that this is not a true choice due to the addictive nature of these products, adults deserve to be informed about their options. The focus should be on government policies that encourage a rapid transition away from cigarettes, providing adults with informed choices to make.
