22nd Century’s Very Low Nicotine Cigarettes Reduce Smoking and Are Now Associated with Reduced Alcohol Use

New study suggests that 22nd Century’s Proprietary Very Low Nicotine cigarettes may actually have two positive effects on public health.

CLARENCE, N.Y.--()--22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE MKT:XXII), a plant biotechnology company that is a leader in tobacco harm reduction, announced today that the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research has published a new independent study concluding that switching to the Company’s Very Low Nicotine cigarettes may lead not only to a reduction in smoking, but also to a reduction in alcohol use. This study employed 22nd Century’s proprietary SPECTRUM® research cigarettes and was funded by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

The Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research study employed data collected as a part of the landmark study by Donny et al. that was published in the October 2015 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Led by Sarah S. Dermody, the study closely followed the alcohol consumption behavior of 403 study participants, and concluded that a national “nicotine reduction standard could further improve public health by reducing alcohol use among individuals who reduce their nicotine exposure and smoking rate. Specifically, VLNC [Very Low Nicotine Content] cigarette use significantly reduced nicotine exposure, which, in turn, was associated with reduced alcohol use.

This important clinical study lays to rest the thought that one consequence of reducing nicotine in cigarettes to a very low level could be an unintended increase in the amount of alcohol consumed, especially among heavy or binge drinkers. In contrast, the study suggested that a reduction in nicotine to very low levels may actually have two positive effects on public health – a reduction in smoking and a reduction in alcohol consumption. The study adds “…regulation reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes may reduce alcohol use specifically through its effects on nicotine and cigarette exposure.”

22nd Century’s Vice President for Plant Biotechnology, Dr. Paul Rushton explained, “The evidence now clearly shows that switching to a very low nicotine cigarette from a normal nicotine cigarette has a multitude of health benefits. Not only do patients reduce their smoking rates, but Dermody’s new study suggests that, these same patients are likely to reduce their alcohol consumption as well. Best of all, patients experience both of these benefits before they even try to quit smoking.”

Dermody, et al. concluded by reporting:

“…this study demonstrated that a reduced nicotine product standard could positively impact related health risk behaviors like drinking. Among many smokers, it appears that reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes would not lead to compensatory drinking. Instead, over time through a combination of reduced nicotine exposure and smoking behavior, a broader positive impact on public health may be observed through corresponding reductions in alcohol use.”

About 22nd Century Group, Inc.

22nd Century is a plant biotechnology company focused on technology which allows it to increase or decrease the level of nicotine in tobacco plants and the level of cannabinoids in cannabis plants through genetic engineering and plant breeding. The Company’s primary mission is to reduce the harm caused by smoking. 22nd Century currently owns or exclusively controls more than 200 issued patents and more than 50 pending patent applications around the world. Visit www.xxiicentury.com for more information.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information, including all statements that are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of 22nd Century Group, Inc., its directors or its officers with respect to the contents of this press release, including but not limited to our future revenue expectations. The words “may,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed on February 18, 2016, including the section entitled “Risk Factors,” and our other reports filed with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.

Contacts

Investor Relations:
IRTH Communications
Andrew Haag, 866-976-4784
xxii@irthcommunications.com
or
Redington, Inc.
Tom Redington, 203-222-7399

Release Summary

New Study Suggests that 22nd Century’s Very Low Nicotine Cigarettes not only Reduce Smoking, but are also Associated with Reduced Alcohol Use

Contacts

Investor Relations:
IRTH Communications
Andrew Haag, 866-976-4784
xxii@irthcommunications.com
or
Redington, Inc.
Tom Redington, 203-222-7399