A bombshell report based on leaked documents of the Philip Morris International (PMI), one of the world’s biggest cigarette corporations, revealed the company’s alleged ‘secret’ strategy to “manufacture widespread acceptance” of its products by “misleading” consumers.

In the paper, published by researchers at the Tobacco Control Research Group at UK’s University of Bath, PMI has been accused of “manipulating science for profit” through funding research and advocacy work with scientists.

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<h2>Key findings of the paper</h2>

As part of the multinational’s marketing strategy to attract new generations of tobacco consumers to its IQOS heated tobacco product (HTP), leaked documents from PMI and its Japanese affiliate reveal plans to target politicians, doctors and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the campaigners say.

As per the paper, Philip Morris Japan (PMJ), funded a Kyoto University study into smoking cessation via a third-party research organisation.

PMJ paid about £20,000 ($25,277) a month to FTI-Innovations, a life sciences consultancy run by a Tokyo University professor, for tasks such as promoting PMI’s science and products at academic events.

In one internet email, a PMJ employee claimed they had been told “to keep it a secret”.

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The paper, published in the journal Nicotine &amp; Tobacco Research, is based on 24 leaked company documents, dated from between 2012 and 2020.

“These activities resemble known strategies to influence the conduct, publication and reach of science, and conceal scientific activities,” the researchers said.

Dr Sophie Braznell, one of its authors, said: “The manipulation of science for profit harms us all, especially policymakers and consumers trying to make potentially life-changing decisions. It slows down and undermines public health policies, while encouraging the widespread use of harmful products.”

Calling for reforms to the funding and governance of tobacco research “to protect science from vested corporate interests”, Braznell mentioned the leaked documents undermined claims made by PMI to conduct “transparent science”.

Considering that Japan is a launch market for IQOS, Stopping Tobacco Organisations and Products (Stop), a tobacco industry watchdog, said it suspected PMI would apply the blueprint elsewhere.

In a separate report, also based on leaked documents, Stop said PMJ appeared to lobby for IQOS to be permitted in places where smoking was banned.

Groups including medical and hospitality, and Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency were all targeted for endorsements, “which, if secured, could give the appearance of organic, widespread acceptance of IQOS”, Stop said.

Aiming for a presence at the Tokyo Olympics “echoes a known industry tactic of advertising addictive, harmful tobacco products at sports events – associating these products with health, misleading consumers, and reaching children and young people”.

“This revelation adds weight to the mounting evidence questioning the credibility of PMI’s claims about their intentions and their products,” said Jorge Alday, director at Stop.

However, PMI trashed the allegations, calling it “another specious story” aimed at “criticising the company than helping reduce the harm from cigarettes.”

Calling this type of engagement not only “entirely legal and appropriate”, PMI claimed that it is also “essential to the type of inclusive policymaking that will lead to better outcomes for the people affected by those policies.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A bombshell report based on leaked documents of the Philip Morris International (PMI), one of the world’s biggest cigarette corporations, revealed the company’s alleged ‘secret’ strategy to “manufacture widespread acceptance” of its products by “misleading” consumers.

A bombshell report based on leaked documents of the Philip Morris International (PMI), one of the world’s biggest cigarette corporations, revealed the company’s alleged ‘secret’ strategy to “manufacture widespread acceptance” of its products by “misleading” consumers. In the paper, published by researchers at the Tobacco Control Research Group at UK’s University of Bath, PMI has been accused of “manipulating science for profit” through funding research and advocacy work with scientists. Also read: Multivitamin myth busted: No lifespan boost from daily supplements, major study finds Key findings of the paper As part of the multinational’s marketing strategy to attract new generations of tobacco consumers to its IQOS heated tobacco product (HTP), leaked documents from PMI and its Japanese affiliate reveal plans to target politicians, doctors and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the campaigners say. As per the paper, Philip Morris Japan (PMJ), funded a Kyoto University study into smoking cessation via a third-party research organisation. PMJ paid about £20,000 ($25,277) a month to FTI-Innovations, a life sciences consultancy run by a Tokyo University professor, for tasks such as promoting PMI’s science and products at academic events. In one internet email, a PMJ employee claimed they had been told “to keep it a secret”. Also read: Researchers finally discover enzyme that can slow ageing and boost health The paper, published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, is based on 24 leaked company documents, dated from between 2012 and 2020. “These activities resemble known strategies to influence the conduct, publication and reach of science, and conceal scientific activities,” the researchers said. Dr Sophie Braznell, one of its authors, said: “The manipulation of science for profit harms us all, especially policymakers and consumers trying to make potentially life-changing decisions. It slows down and undermines public health policies, while encouraging the widespread use of harmful products.” Calling for reforms to the funding and governance of tobacco research “to protect science from vested corporate interests”, Braznell mentioned the leaked documents undermined claims made by PMI to conduct “transparent science”. Considering that Japan is a launch market for IQOS, Stopping Tobacco Organisations and Products (Stop), a tobacco industry watchdog, said it suspected PMI would apply the blueprint elsewhere. In a separate report, also based on leaked documents, Stop said PMJ appeared to lobby for IQOS to be permitted in places where smoking was banned. Groups including medical and hospitality, and Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency were all targeted for endorsements, “which, if secured, could give the appearance of organic, widespread acceptance of IQOS”, Stop said. Aiming for a presence at the Tokyo Olympics “echoes a known industry tactic of advertising addictive, harmful tobacco products at sports events – associating these products with health, misleading consumers, and reaching children and young people”. “This revelation adds weight to the mounting evidence questioning the credibility of PMI’s claims about their intentions and their products,” said Jorge Alday, director at Stop. However, PMI trashed the allegations, calling it “another specious story” aimed at “criticising the company than helping reduce the harm from cigarettes.” Calling this type of engagement not only “entirely legal and appropriate”, PMI claimed that it is also “essential to the type of inclusive policymaking that will lead to better outcomes for the people affected by those policies.” (With inputs from agencies)

Leaked papers lay bare Philip Morris Japan's 'manipulation of science' to woo non-smokers: Report

A UK business that makes products to treat lung problems might end up in the hands of one of the world's largest cigarette manufacturers, prompting health organisations to call on the British government to oppose the deal.&nbsp;

The tobacco firm that created the 'Marlboro Man' has stirred uproar in medical circles with a move to invest in a business that develops inhaler technology, potentially allowing it to profit from the smoking-related lung ailments it helped create.

Philip Morris International is in the process of acquiring Vectura, a UK company that specialises in lung disease inhaler technology.

An open letter signed by 35 health charities and public health experts urged Vectura board members to reject a takeover bid by Philip Morris International. Signatories of the letter, led by Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said a deal “could significantly hamper Vectura’s research and product development capabilities.”

The deal would boost the tobacco giant's ambition to generate more than half of its net revenue from smoke-free products such as e-cigarettes and respiratory drugs within four years, up from about a quarter today.&nbsp;

For firms like Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline, Vectura has produced 13 inhaled medicines to treat respiratory disorders like asthma.

It is presently collaborating with Inspira Pharmaceuticals, another UK firm, on an inhalation therapy for COVID-19.&nbsp; 
 
Campaign groups have criticised tobacco companies for promoting themselves as part of the transition to a smoke-free society while continuing to sell and advertise cigarettes around the world, despite a long history of denying the health consequences of smoking.

The tobacco epidemic is described by the World Health Organization as "one of the greatest public health concerns the world has ever faced."

According to the United Nations, smoking, including secondhand smoke, kills more than 8 million people each year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A UK business that makes products to treat lung problems might end up in the hands of one of the world's largest cigarette manufacturers, prompting health organisations to call on the British government to oppose the deal.

A UK business that makes products to treat lung problems might end up in the hands of one of the world's largest cigarette manufacturers, prompting health organisations to call on the British government to oppose the deal. The tobacco firm that created the 'Marlboro Man' has stirred uproar in medical circles with a move to invest in a business that develops inhaler technology, potentially allowing it to profit from the smoking-related lung ailments it helped create. Philip Morris International is in the process of acquiring Vectura, a UK company that specialises in lung disease inhaler technology. An open letter signed by 35 health charities and public health experts urged Vectura board members to reject a takeover bid by Philip Morris International. Signatories of the letter, led by Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation, said a deal “could significantly hamper Vectura’s research and product development capabilities.” The deal would boost the tobacco giant's ambition to generate more than half of its net revenue from smoke-free products such as e-cigarettes and respiratory drugs within four years, up from about a quarter today. For firms like Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline, Vectura has produced 13 inhaled medicines to treat respiratory disorders like asthma. It is presently collaborating with Inspira Pharmaceuticals, another UK firm, on an inhalation therapy for COVID-19. Campaign groups have criticised tobacco companies for promoting themselves as part of the transition to a smoke-free society while continuing to sell and advertise cigarettes around the world, despite a long history of denying the health consequences of smoking. The tobacco epidemic is described by the World Health Organization as "one of the greatest public health concerns the world has ever faced." According to the United Nations, smoking, including secondhand smoke, kills more than 8 million people each year. (With inputs from agencies)

Bizarre: Tobacco giant to buy a company that makes asthma inhalers

Health ministry has asked all state governments in the country not to partner with the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) because of its links to tobacco giant Philip Morris International Inc, a letter seen by Reuters showed.

Established in 2017, the FSFW focuses on eliminating the usage of cigarettes and works towards smoking cessation using new technologies and alternative products. It says it works independently, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has said there are "clear conflicts" due to the $80 million in annual funding the foundation receives from Philip Morris.

At least three Indian anti-tobacco groups earlier this year wrote to the federal health ministry in New Delhi calling for the rejection of any possible partnerships with FSFW, according to copies of their representations seen by Reuters.

Health ministry has sent a letter, dated June 24, to chief secretaries of all states, saying they should not partner with FSFW and also advised other departments and institutions in their region accordingly.

The ministry said Philip Morris was funding FSFW as well as manufacturing and promoting harm-reduction smoking devices. Reuters has previously reported Philip Morris has plans to launch its iQOS smoking device in India which it says is less harmful than conventional cigarettes.

"Any collaboration with the Foundation for a Smoke Free World should be avoided in the larger interest of Public Health," a senior health ministry official, Sanjeeva Kumar, wrote in the letter, which was reviewed by Reuters.

The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, which is led by former WHO official Dr&nbsp;Derek Yach, said it "operates with complete independence from Philip Morris" and was committed to full transparency about who its funders were.&nbsp;

Philip Morris, which has a stated longer-term vision to replace cigarette sales with products such as its iQOS device, in a statement, said FSFW was "an independent body governed by its own independent Board of Directors".&nbsp;

Tobacco in India

In recent years, the Indian government has intensified its tobacco-control efforts, raising cigarette taxes and ordering companies to print bigger health warnings on cigarette packs.

India has 106 million adult smokers, second only to China, and more than 900,000 people die each year in India due to tobacco-related illnesses.

A federal health ministry official said on Sunday the letter on FSFW had been sent as a preventive measure to dissuade states from any collaboration with the foundation, and similar instructions were likely to be sent to other federal ministries.

The FSFW said there were no projects with any state government institutions in India. "We seek partnerships with all who share our goal to end smoking in the world," a spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.&nbsp;

In May, FSFW said its team was committed to working with others "to accelerate an end to smoking in this generation" in India. It also invited people to study its strategic plan.

That same month, Philip Morris in a press statement said it had urged the Indian government to create a regulatory environment for devices such as its iQOS.

When the FSFW was launched in 2017, the WHO had said it will not partner with the foundation and asked governments around the world and public health communities to follow the agency's lead.

Health ministry has asked all state governments in the country not to partner with the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) because of its links to tobacco giant Philip Morris International Inc, a letter seen by Reuters showed.

Health ministry has asked all state governments in the country not to partner with the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) because of its links to tobacco giant Philip Morris International Inc, a letter seen by Reuters showed. Established in 2017, the FSFW focuses on eliminating the usage of cigarettes and works towards smoking cessation using new technologies and alternative products. It says it works independently, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has said there are "clear conflicts" due to the $80 million in annual funding the foundation receives from Philip Morris. At least three Indian anti-tobacco groups earlier this year wrote to the federal health ministry in New Delhi calling for the rejection of any possible partnerships with FSFW, according to copies of their representations seen by Reuters. Health ministry has sent a letter, dated June 24, to chief secretaries of all states, saying they should not partner with FSFW and also advised other departments and institutions in their region accordingly. The ministry said Philip Morris was funding FSFW as well as manufacturing and promoting harm-reduction smoking devices. Reuters has previously reported Philip Morris has plans to launch its iQOS smoking device in India which it says is less harmful than conventional cigarettes. "Any collaboration with the Foundation for a Smoke Free World should be avoided in the larger interest of Public Health," a senior health ministry official, Sanjeeva Kumar, wrote in the letter, which was reviewed by Reuters. The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, which is led by former WHO official Dr Derek Yach, said it "operates with complete independence from Philip Morris" and was committed to full transparency about who its funders were. Philip Morris, which has a stated longer-term vision to replace cigarette sales with products such as its iQOS device, in a statement, said FSFW was "an independent body governed by its own independent Board of Directors". Tobacco in India In recent years, the Indian government has intensified its tobacco-control efforts, raising cigarette taxes and ordering companies to print bigger health warnings on cigarette packs. India has 106 million adult smokers, second only to China, and more than 900,000 people die each year in India due to tobacco-related illnesses. A federal health ministry official said on Sunday the letter on FSFW had been sent as a preventive measure to dissuade states from any collaboration with the foundation, and similar instructions were likely to be sent to other federal ministries. The FSFW said there were no projects with any state government institutions in India. "We seek partnerships with all who share our goal to end smoking in the world," a spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. In May, FSFW said its team was committed to working with others "to accelerate an end to smoking in this generation" in India. It also invited people to study its strategic plan. That same month, Philip Morris in a press statement said it had urged the Indian government to create a regulatory environment for devices such as its iQOS. When the FSFW was launched in 2017, the WHO had said it will not partner with the foundation and asked governments around the world and public health communities to follow the agency's lead.

India asks states not to partner with foundation funded by tobacco giant Philip Morris International