Philip Morris International : The FDA authorizes the sale of IQOS 3 in the U.S.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized an updated version of our electronically heated tobacco system for sale in the U.S., after concluding it was appropriate for the protection of the public health.

The FDA's ruling on IQOS 3follows an assessment of a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) that PMI filed with the agency in March 2020.

The upgraded technology of IQOS 3 was inspired by the needs and feedback of users of our flagship smoke-free product. It features a number of technological advances, including longer battery life and a faster recharge between uses.

In its decision, the FDA noted that International survey data they had reviewed found no evidence of increased uptake of IQOS by youth or young adults, while use patterns available for a previously authorized version of IQOS within the U.S. have not raised new concerns regarding product use in youth and young adults.

The IQOS 3 PMTA authorization is independent of the MRTP authorization for the IQOS 2.4 device. PMI expects to file an MRTPA seeking an exposure modification marketing order for the IQOS 3 device.

'Another important step forward'

Responding to the FDA's announcement, PMI's CEO André Calantzopoulos said: 'The agency's decision to authorize IQOS 3 in the U.S. is another important step forward for the tens of millions of American men and women who currently smoke.

'In just five years, approximately 11.7 million people around the world have stopped smoking and switched to IQOS, and we believe bringing a more modern version of IQOS to the U.S. will only accelerate switching by adults who smoke.

'The order is subject to the same comprehensive commercialization requirements set in the April 2019 PMTA marketing orders for IQOS 2.4, which aim to maximize the opportunity for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch from cigarettes, while minimizing unintended use.

'We, along with our licensee Altria, are committed to guarding against unintended use and fully support FDA's focus on protecting youth.'

Notably, the FDA authorization does not mean the FDA 'approved' IQOS 3. FDA does not approve tobacco products and any representation to the contrary would violate U.S. law.

Before receiving MRTP marketing orders in July 2020, IQOS 2.4 was authorized for sale via the PMTA pathway in April 2019.

Transforming to a smoke-free future

PMI is transforming to focus scientifically substantiated better alternatives to replace cigarettes as soon as possible for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking.

To date, we have invested USD 7.2 billion in the research and development of our smoke-free products.

We believe that with the right regulatory encouragement and support from civil society, cigarette sales can end within 10 to 15 years in many countries.

Our ambition is to deliver a smoke-free future for all.