Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) announced that it has made the abstracts and presentations from its 2025 Agro-Phyto Conference available online. Held in Surabaya, Indonesia, from September 20 to October 2, the conference featured 73 presentations from 10 countries.
Category: Around the Industry
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FDA Establishes Closing Date for Public Comments on MRTP Renewal Applications for IQOS Products
Today (November 6, 2025), FDA established the closing date for the public comment period on the modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products. Public comments on these applications must be submitted to the appropriate docket by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 8, 2025, to ensure they are considered by FDA:
- FDA-2021-N-0408 (IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger)
- FDA-2017-D-3001 (IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger and Marlboro HeatSticks products)
The application materials, redacted in accordance with applicable laws, can be found on FDA’s website. Before making a final determination on an MRTP application, FDA takes into consideration all relevant information available to the agency, including public comments and recommendations from the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC).
FDA held a TPSAC meeting to discuss these renewal applications on October 7, 2025. The public was able to attend virtually and present comments to the committee. Materials from the meeting are available on FDA’s website.
For the latest updates on any MRTP applications under scientific review, sign up to receive email alertsExternal Link Disclaimer.
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Massachusetts Weighs Philip Morris Punitive Damages Appeal
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is reviewing Armand Fontaine v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (Docket No. SJC-13778), a case that in 2022 produced one of the largest tobacco verdicts in state history after a Middlesex County jury awarded $8 million in compensatory damages and $1 billion in punitive damages. The trial court later reduced the punitive award to $56 million.
Philip Morris appealed, saying the massive award showed the jury was “inflamed beyond reason,” that punitive damages should require a clear and convincing evidence standard or a separate (bifurcated) trial phase, and that guardrails should be enacted to prevent “nuclear verdicts” (awards of more than $10 million).
Law360’s Chris Villani wrote that the “court appeared unreceptive to arguments” for imposing new procedural rules, noting existing safeguards such as judicial review and remittitur already limit excessive awards. A decision is expected to clarify how Massachusetts courts handle punitive damages going forward.
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Universal Announces New Board Member
Universal Corporation appointed Gregory A. Trojan to its board of directors, effective immediately. Trojan brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the restaurant, retail, and consumer products sectors. He previously served as CEO of BJ’s Restaurants from 2013 to 2021 and was a board member until September 2025. His past roles include CEO of Guitar Center and House of Blues Entertainment, along with senior positions at PepsiCo. He currently serves on the boards of Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and CEC Brands, LLC (parent of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza).
Universal chairman, president, and CEO Preston D. Wigner said Trojan’s strategic and operational expertise will support the company’s growth priorities across its tobacco and ingredients platforms.
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UK Public Strongly Backs Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds
A new survey from Northerner UK found that the British public overwhelmingly supports stricter regulation of nicotine pouches and stronger safeguards for young people overall, as the government prepares to advance the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the survey, 84% of respondents want the government to introduce new rules governing nicotine pouches, aligning their regulation with that of cigarettes and vapes. A further 82% support a licensing scheme for vape sales, while 81% back age restrictions on social media, and 75% approve of mandatory ID checks for online pornography.
Markus Lindblad, head of external affairs at Northerner, said the results show strong alignment between the public, government, and responsible retailers.
“At the moment, a legal loophole means that there is no minimum age limit on the purchase of nicotine pouches, and this has been exploited by unscrupulous retailers,” Lindblad said. “This survey shows that the public wants action, and there is strong support for the government’s move to close this loophole through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”
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Vaping Overtakes Smoking in UK
For the first time, the number of adults in Britain who vape has surpassed those who smoke traditional cigarettes, according to new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday (November 4). The ONS reported that 10% of adults (around 5.4 million people) in Great Britain used e-cigarettes daily or occasionally in 2024, overtaking the 9.1% (4.9 million) who still smoke. Cigarette smoking has now fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2011.
Public health specialist Professor John Ashton said “many people are vaping but haven’t stopped smoking.” He cautioned that the long-term effects of vaping remain unknown and that youth uptake is becoming a growing concern. While smoking rates among young adults (18–24) have plummeted from 25.7% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2024, vaping remains most common in the 16–24 age group at 13%.
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AIR Partners with Snoop Dogg for New Hookah Flavors
Global hookah company AIR Limited announced a collaboration with entrepreneur Snoop Dogg to launch a premium line of Al Fakher hookah flavors. The new collection includes “Cloud 92,” “Dogg’s Delight,” “Midnight Blues,” “Tha G’z Mix” and “Money Honey,” available internationally at hookah.com
“The partnership blends Al Fakher’s expertise in hookah craftsmanship with Snoop Dogg’s cultural influence, offering premium ingredients and science-backed safety research,” the company said. AIR CEO Stuart Brazier highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, noting $115 million invested since 2019 and over 100 active or pending patents.
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Imperial Encourages Retailers to Respond to UK Nicotine Survey
Imperial Brands is urging UK retailers to contribute to the government’s call for evidence on the proposed retail licensing scheme for nicotine products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The consultation, launched by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), will close December 3.
Andrew Malm, Imperial’s UK market manager, emphasized that the survey is a key opportunity for retailers to shape policy, ensure fair competition, and address challenges such as illicit sales and age verification compliance. The proposed licensing scheme aims to regulate the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, protecting both legitimate retailers and consumers.
Retailers can participate by completing the online survey, providing their insights to influence the design and implementation of the new regulatory framework.
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Former CSTMA Deputy Chief Indicted
Today (November 4), Zhang Tianfeng, the former deputy chief of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, was indicted on charges of accepting bribes, according to the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. Zhang is accused of taking advantage of his various posts in the tobacco system to seek benefits for others, while illegally accepting significant amounts of money and gifts in return.
The case has been filed by the People’s Procuratorate of Ganzhou City, East China’s Jiangxi province, to the city’s intermediate people’s court.
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PMI Targets Net-Zero Emissions by 2040
Philip Morris International released its Climate Transition Plan 2025, presenting an updated and integrated strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. The plan includes near-term targets for 2030, such as a 50% reduction in direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) and significant cuts in supply chain emissions (scope 3). PMI plans to achieve carbon neutrality for its direct operations by the end of 2025, using measures like renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon fleets, and supplier engagement. The company emphasizes that sustainability and business growth can go hand-in-hand.
“By focusing on material climate risks and opportunities, implementing cost-effective interventions, and maintaining robust disclosure practices, we are strengthening PMI’s ability to deliver sustained, long-term value,” said CEO Jacek Olczak.