What Is IQOS?
IQOS is the smoke-free product portfolio which includes heated tobacco and nicotine containing vapor products. It is manufactured by Philip Morris International (PMI). In a nutshell, what IQOS and other heat not burn products do is use electricity to heat a small tobacco heat stick in a handheld device, releasing nicotine into a vapor without burning the leaves. PMI’s claim is that most harmful chemicals are released by combustion, making heat not burn a product with significantly less risk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently judging these claims to determine if the product can be sold in the United States, and if it will be given a much-coveted Modified Risk Tobacco Product label.
According to Forbes, IQOS has seen sales pick up since its launch in 2017 as more and more people are switching to heated tobacco products which are considered to be less risky. Heated tobacco shipments increased by 14.2% in 2018 compared to the previous year.
Altria, the maker of Marlboro in the US, has signed an agreement to sell IQOS in the US. It is eagerly awaiting the FDA’s decision for over a year now. They’ve decided to back up legislation to increase tobacco access to consumers over the age of 21. They’ve done this in response to FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who declared teen vaping the latest epidemic. Now Altria is hedging its bets to ensure they will continue to have a license to operate. This is a smart move on Altria’s part.
You could be eligible to receive coupons once IQOS is available for sale to consumers in the US.
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