PMI U.S. Calls for Science‑Based Policy and Credible, Open Dialogue to Accelerate America's Smoke‑Free Future

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) U.S. businesses urged science-based policy and open dialogue on April 17, 2026 to accelerate a smoke-free future.

Rhea-AI Summary

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) U.S. businesses urged science-based policy and open dialogue on April 17, 2026 to accelerate a smoke-free future. A PMI U.S.-commissioned survey found 73% of adult smokers wrongly believe all nicotine products carry equal risk. PMI highlighted a backlog of FDA smoke-free product reviews and said 25–30 million American adults continue smoking.

PMI U.S. reiterated calls for clearer FDA communication to clinicians, collaboration among stakeholders, and wider access to FDA-authorized smoke-free alternatives.

Argus Apr 17 session

+0.99% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – PM

On Apr 17, the day this news came out, PM closed 0.99% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Apr 17 session.

Key Figures

Risk misperception rate: 73% Adult smokers in U.S.: 25–30 million Adult consumers target: 25–30 million +1 more

Risk misperception rate

73%

Adults who believe all tobacco and nicotine products carry same risk

Adult smokers in U.S.

25–30 million

Adult Americans who continue to smoke, per "Forgotten Smoker" paper

Adult consumers target

25–30 million

Legal-age consumers who smoke cigarettes that PMI U.S. aims to serve

U.S. employees

More than 3,000

People employed by PMI U.S. businesses across America

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 15

5 events

1. Apr 15

   Illicit trade study

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   KPMG-commissioned study showing high illicit cigarette share and tax losses.

2. Apr 15

   Earnings webcast notice

   24h Move

   -1.4%

   Announcement of Q1 2026 results webcast and smoke-free user metrics.

3. Apr 14

   Forgotten Smoker paper

   24h Move

   -2.0%

   White paper and survey urging renewed public-health focus on adult smokers.

4. Apr 13

   Brand partnership

   24h Move

   +1.4%

   Principal partnership with Ferrari Hypersail highlighting innovation and branding.

5. Mar 31

   Value Report 2025

   24h Move

   +0.3%

   Release of Value Report 2025 with smoke-free revenue growth and ESG metrics.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

combustible cigarettes, smoke-free alternatives, u.s. food and drug administration (fda), tobacco harm reduction, +1 more

5 terms

combustible cigarettes technical

"America's transition away from combustible cigarettes is being held back"

A combustible cigarette is a rolled tobacco product that is lit and burned so the user inhales smoke and its chemicals, like burning a small log to produce smoke. It matters to investors because these products face steady regulatory restrictions, taxes, health-related litigation and shifting consumer tastes that can sharply affect sales, profit margins and long-term market viability for companies involved in making, selling or regulating tobacco products.

smoke-free alternatives technical

"science-backed smoke-free alternatives represent a better choice"

Products that deliver nicotine or tobacco flavor without burning plant material, such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and nicotine pouches. They matter to investors because they represent a shifting market away from traditional cigarettes; changes in consumer adoption, regulation, or health perceptions can quickly affect sales, legal risk, and company valuations, much like replacing an open flame with an electric appliance alters demand and safety considerations.

u.s. food and drug administration (fda) regulatory

"backlog of smoke-free product applications at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)"

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a government agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety and effectiveness of food, medicines, vaccines, and other health-related products. For investors, the FDA’s decisions can significantly impact companies in the healthcare and food industries, as approval or rejection of products can influence a company's success and stock performance.

tobacco harm reduction medical

"public and medical understanding of the science behind tobacco harm reduction is essential"

Tobacco harm reduction is a public health and commercial strategy that aims to lower the health risks associated with smoking by encouraging the use of lower-risk alternatives, safer products, or quitting tools rather than relying on traditional combustible cigarettes. It matters to investors because shifts toward safer products change consumer demand, regulatory treatment, litigation risk and long-term sales trends—similar to how safer car designs alter the market for different vehicle models.

white paper technical

"These themes are explored further in PMI U.S.'s "Forgotten Smoker" white paper"

A white paper is a detailed, authoritative report that explains a company's product, technology, strategy, or policy, often outlining how it works, the problem it solves, and the assumptions behind it. Think of it as a combination of a how-to guide and a business plan that gives investors the facts, reasoning and projected benefits so they can judge credibility, risks and whether the proposal fits their investment goals.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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WASHINGTON, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) brought a pointed message to Washington this week: America's transition away from combustible cigarettes is being held back—not by a lack of science, but by a lack of urgency. The call comes on the heels of Technovation, PMI's global science and innovation summit held in Washington, D.C., where policymakers, scientists, business leaders, public health advocates and the media examined the persistent challenges of cigarette smoking and the urgent need for evidence-based solutions. Central to those discussions: new research in the U.S. showing that a fundamental misperception among American legal-age adult smokers is actively slowing progress.

The findings of a PMI U.S. commissioned nationwide survey conducted by Povaddo LLC underscore the challenge: Seventy-three percent believe all tobacco and nicotine products carry the same risk, a misconception that can discourage those who continue to smoke from exploring FDA-authorized smoke-free alternatives. While the majority of Americans want to see more done to reduce smoking-related harm, progress has stalled. PMI U.S. says these findings point to a credibility crisis in public discourse around smoking and harm reduction, one that is costing lives.

Members of the Congressional Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus echoed this urgency at Technovation, emphasizing the need for public health regulation that keeps pace with science and innovation. "We owe it to the American people to have better health outcomes," one caucus panelist said, underscoring bipartisan support for policies that reflect the latest evidence—not outdated assumptions.

"The data are clear: When adults who smoke aren't aware that better options exist, they are more likely to keep smoking. For those who would otherwise continue using combustible cigarettes, science-backed smoke-free alternatives represent a better choice, and public health policy should support informed choice and responsible progress," said Stacey Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of PMI U.S. "If we are serious about reducing the harm caused by smoking in the United States, we need policies and conversations rooted in science, not stigma."

At Technovation, PMI U.S. outlined several core positions: 

• Science-based, smoke-free alternatives represent a better choice for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke. 
• Despite recent progress, there remains a backlog of smoke-free product applications at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Adults who smoke deserve access to the science-based, smoke-free options still awaiting agency review. 
• Misperceptions about nicotine and the role of combustion in smoking-related disease impede progress. Public and medical understanding of the science behind tobacco harm reduction is essential—and long overdue.
• To accelerate progress, the FDA should clearly communicate, especially to medical professionals, what the science says about smoke-free products' relative risk profiles, so adults who smoke can make informed choices.
• Collaboration among government, public health experts, scientists, and industry is needed to accelerate America's transition away from cigarettes, while protecting youth and supporting informed adult choice. 

These themes are explored further in PMI U.S.'s "Forgotten Smoker" white paper, which examines the 25-30 million adult Americans who continue to smoke and highlights the need for better access to affordable, smoke-free options and more accurate information about the continuum of risk.

Videos from Technovation are available at: https://www.pmi.com/technovation2026presskit/.

PMI U.S.: Invested in America
Philip Morris International Inc.'s U.S. businesses are invested in America's future and advancing a smoke-free nation. The businesses are committed to providing the 25-30 million legal-age consumers who smoke cigarettes with better, smoke-free alternatives and to ensuring the products are marketed responsibly. From PMI's global headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, and other locations nationwide, PMI U.S. contributes leadership, jobs, investment, and innovation in the U.S. The U.S. businesses employ more than 3,000 people across America and operate product manufacturing facilities, including in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Wilson, North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.uspmi.com.

References to "PMI" mean the Philip Morris International family of companies. "PMI U.S.," "we," "our," and "us" refer to one or more PMI U.S. businesses.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pmi-us-calls-for-sciencebased-policy-and-credible-open-dialogue-to-accelerate-americas-smokefree-future-302745877.html

SOURCE PMI US Corporate Services, Inc.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did PMI U.S. announce at Technovation on April 17, 2026 (PM)?

PMI U.S. called for science-based policy and credible dialogue to advance a smoke-free future for adults who smoke. According to PMI U.S., the event highlighted a nationwide survey, FDA review backlogs, and the need to inform clinicians about relative risks.

What did the PMI U.S. survey find about U.S. adult smokers' risk perceptions (PM)?

The survey found that 73% of legal‑age adult smokers believe all tobacco and nicotine products carry the same risk. According to PMI U.S., that misperception may discourage smokers from considering FDA‑authorized smoke‑free alternatives.

How many Americans still smoke according to PMI U.S. (PM)?

PMI U.S. cites an estimated 25–30 million legal‑age Americans who continue to smoke cigarettes. According to PMI U.S., this 'forgotten smoker' group underscores the need for better access to affordable smoke‑free options and accurate risk information.

What policy changes did PMI U.S. urge the FDA to make (PM)?

PMI U.S. urged clearer FDA communication to medical professionals about smoke‑free products' relative risk profiles and faster review of pending applications. According to PMI U.S., better guidance would help informed choice for adults who smoke.

Where does PMI U.S. operate and how many U.S. employees are reported (PM)?

PMI U.S. reports more than 3,000 employees and manufacturing sites including Owensboro, Kentucky and Wilson, North Carolina. According to PMI U.S., operations from Stamford, Connecticut support leadership, jobs, investment, and innovation in the U.S.

Where can investors find videos and the PMI U.S. "Forgotten Smoker" white paper (PM)?

PMI U.S. made Technovation videos and the "Forgotten Smoker" white paper available online at the company's press kit and investor resources. According to PMI U.S., these materials explore survey findings and policy recommendations to reduce smoking harm.