The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today opened a public comment period on Philip Morris International’s (PMI–NYSE: PM) application seeking authorization to market the IQOS 3 electrically heated tobacco system as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP).
PMI’s application requests the same reduced exposure modification orders granted on July 7, 2020, for the IQOS 2.4 system—the first, and only, electronic nicotine product to be granted marketing orders through the FDA’s MRTP process. To authorize MRTP consumer communications, the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is required by law to conclude that a product is appropriate to promote the public health.
The IQOS 3 device contains a number of technological advancements, compared to the IQOS 2.4 device, including longer battery life and quicker recharge between uses. It was authorized for sale in the U.S. via the FDA’s pre-market review process on December 7, 2020, having met the standard that permitting its sale is appropriate to protect public health.
Commenting on the FDA’s action Jacek Olczak, PMI’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“PMI is fully committed to a smoke-free future, one where we completely replace cigarettes with scientifically substantiated smoke-free alternatives that are a better choice for adults who would otherwise continue smoking. Our commitment to a science-based future is unmatched, having invested more than $8 billion since 2008 on smoke-free products.
This application underscores PMI’s on-going commitment to make new innovations available to American adult smokers through the FDA process; the confidence we have in our science; and our belief that public scrutiny and open engagement with governments is vital to achieving a smoke-free future.”
