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FDA Authorizes Sale of the IQOS 3 Tobacco Heating System Device in the United States

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Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) has received FDA authorization for the commercialization of the next-generation IQOS 3 tobacco heating system in the U.S. This decision follows a review of the Premarket Tobacco Product Application submitted by Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI). The IQOS 3 features improvements over the IQOS 2.4, including enhanced battery life and faster charging. Altria aims to transition adult smokers to non-combustible products, with plans to market the new device upon satisfying regulatory requirements.

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  • FDA authorization for IQOS 3 enhances product offerings.
  • IQOS 3 improvements include longer battery life and faster charging.
  • Altria is focusing on transitioning smokers to non-combustible products.
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RICHMOND, Va.--()--Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) (NYSE: MO) announces today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized commercialization of the next generation of the IQOS tobacco heating system device, IQOS 3, in the U.S. FDA authorization follows review of the IQOS 3 Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) submitted by Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI). Philip Morris USA (PM USA), under an exclusive agreement with PMI, commercializes the IQOS system in the U.S. with three HeatStick variants. Unlike cigarettes, the IQOS system heats but does not burn tobacco.

IQOS 3 offers several enhancements to the IQOS 2.4 currently being sold in select U.S. markets, including a longer battery life, faster re-charging time, a side opening mechanism, and magnetic closure.

“Altria’s 10-year vision is to responsibly lead the transition of adult smokers to a non-combustible future. IQOS is a key part of that future and we’re excited to build on our first-mover advantage with the enhanced IQOS 3 device which has performed successfully in international markets,” said Jon Moore, President and Chief Executive Officer of PM USA.

IQOS is currently available in the Atlanta, Georgia, Richmond, Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina markets. With PMTA authorization of IQOS 3, PM USA expects to begin quickly marketing the IQOS 3 device to U.S. adult smokers once the regulatory and U.S. importation logistics have been satisfied.

To secure market authorization under a PMTA, U.S. federal law obligates an applicant to demonstrate that marketing of a new tobacco product is appropriate for the protection of public health and requires the FDA to consider the risks and benefits to the population as a whole, including users and non-users of tobacco products.

Note to Editor:

On March 30, 2020, PMI submitted a supplemental PMTA to the FDA for the IQOS 3 tobacco heating system device. The original IQOS 2.4 device was authorized by the FDA for commercialization in the U.S. on April 30, 2019.

On July 7, 2020 the FDA authorized the marketing of the IQOS 2.4 tobacco heating system as a modified risk tobacco product with a reduced exposure claim. IQOS 2.4 is the first next-generation inhalable tobacco product to be authorized as a modified risk tobacco product. The IQOS 3 PMTA authorization is independent of the MRTP authorization for the IQOS 2.4 device. PMI expects to file a MRTP application with the FDA for IQOS 3 seeking authorization of a reduced exposure claim.

Altria’s Profile

Altria’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include Philip Morris USA Inc. (PM USA), U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC (USSTC), John Middleton Co. (Middleton), Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Ltd. (Ste. Michelle) and Philip Morris Capital Corporation (PMCC). Altria holds equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev), JUUL Labs, Inc. (JUUL) and Cronos Group Inc. (Cronos Group).

The brand portfolios of Altria’s tobacco operating companies include Marlboro®, Black & Mild®, Copenhagen® and Skoal®. Ste. Michelle produces and markets premium wines sold under various labels, including Chateau Ste. Michelle®, Columbia Crest®, 14 Hands® and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, and it imports and markets Antinori®, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Torres® and Villa Maria Estate products in the United States. Trademarks and service marks related to Altria referenced in this release are the property of Altria or its subsidiaries or are used with permission.

More information about Altria is available at altria.com, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Contacts

Altria Client Services
Investor Relations
804-484-8222

Altria Client Services
Media Relations
804-484-8897

FAQ

What is <i>IQOS 3</i> and why is it significant for Altria (MO)?

IQOS 3 is the next-generation tobacco heating system authorized by the FDA, offering improvements that strengthen Altria's market position.

When did the FDA authorize <i>IQOS 3</i> for Altria (MO)?

The FDA authorized IQOS 3 for commercialization on the date of the press release.

What improvements does <i>IQOS 3</i> have over <i>IQOS 2.4</i>?

IQOS 3 features a longer battery life, faster re-charging time, and a new side opening mechanism.

Where is <i>IQOS</i> currently available for purchase?

IQOS is available in select markets including Atlanta, Richmond, and Charlotte.

Altria Group, Inc.

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