Business Wire

New Clinical Data on Vuse Illustrates Beneficial Public Health Impact of Tobacco Harm Reduction

Share

New results from one of the largest ever vapour product studies, which analysed BAT’s flagship vapour brand Vuse, have been published in the journal of Internal and Emergency Medicine (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11739-023-03294-9).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230530005321/en/

To view this piece of content from mms.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

One of the largest ever vapour product studies compared clinical measurements from exclusive Vuse consumers with smokers (Graphic: Business Wire)

The study compared clinical measurements from exclusive Vuse consumers with smokers. The results of the study show that participating Vuse consumers had favourable differences in biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) relevant to smoking-related diseases when compared to smokers.

Vuse users have shown significantly lower biomarkers of exposure for priority cigarette smoke toxicants as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO)iii. The data also showed favourable differences between Vuse consumers and smokers across all biomarkers of potential harm measured, with three being statistically significant.

Dr James Murphy, Director, Research and Science at BAT, said: “Vaping continues to grow in importance, as adult smokers seek reduced-risk alternative nicotine products. That is why these results are so important for Vuse, BAT and consumers, as they allow us to better understand the positive real-world impact of vaping compared to smoking. The research shows a clear difference between those using Vuse compared to smokers and reinforces the reduced risk potential and role of vapour in Tobacco Harm Reduction.

“I’d like to thank everyone who participated in and helped deliver this study. It is another important step forward in our journey to building A Better Tomorrow.”

Vapour products are the most widely studied and accepted alternative tobacco and nicotine products worldwide. BAT’s scientific vapour product data have been published in more than 80 peer-reviewed journals and add to the weight of evidence supporting the category’s role in Tobacco Harm Reduction. The innovative cross-sectional nature of this study – which is one of the largest ever vapour product studies - provides key insights into the real-world health impact of vaping.

Vuse is the No. 1 global vaping brandiv by market share and the first global carbon neutral vape brand.v Vuse products are available in 33 markets, with over 10m consumers worldwide.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Based on the biomarkers measured, compared to smokers, Vuse consumers using the product exclusively showed:

  • Significantly lower levels of all measured biomarkers of exposure to priority cigarette smoke toxicants, as defined by the WHO.
  • Significant favourable differences in three biomarkers of potential harm linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases (11-dTX B2, COHb and sICAM-1)
  • Lower levels of biomarkers of potential harm (WBC and 8-epi-PGF2α) for general inflammation and oxidative stress and
  • Favourable differences in a biomarker of potential harm (HDL) relevant to CVD
  • Favourable differences in a biomarker of potential harm (FeNO) relevant to lung health

About this study
This clinical study of participating Vuse consumers, smokers, former smokers and never smokers provides comprehensive analysis of 17 biomarkers of exposure (BoE) to priority cigarette smoke toxicants, biomarkers of potential harm (BoH) and physiological measures relevant to cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases and cancer.

Participants were based in the UK, aged between 19-55 years old, and in good general health. Four different groups were enrolled and studied.

These comprised:

  1. Current smokers who had been smoking for at least one year prior to screening
  2. Exclusive Vuse consumers (ePod and/or ePen3) for at least six months
  3. Former smokers who had quit for at least six months
  4. Never smokers

All participants were screened for urinary cotinine, a biomarker for nicotine exposure, and exhaled carbon monoxide to confirm their self-reported nicotine consumption and smoking status. The exclusive Vuse consumer and former smoker groups were also tested for the biomarker, CEVal, to ensure they had not smoked cigarettes during the preceding six months.

In addition to the wide range of BoE and BoPH assessed, another advantage of this study design was the relatively large number of participants (n-213 recruited), larger than any prior vapour studies of this kind.

Unlike longitudinal studies where participants attend multiple clinic visits over an extended period of time, participants in this study made a single clinic visit overnight where clinicians analysed their breath, urine and blood to measure BoE and BoH and took other clinical measurements relevant to health.

Participants used their own Vuse products and cigarette brands and engaged in their typical product usage for the 24-hour study period. Participants’ usage patterns and overall consumption were not controlled during the study, as the aim was to assess the measured impacts among people using the products in their ‘normal’ way rather than in a controlled way.

About BAT
BAT is a leading, multi-category consumer goods business with a purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of its business through offering a greater choice of enjoyable and less risky products for adult consumers.

The company continues to be clear that combustible cigarettes pose serious health risks, and the only way to avoid these risks is not to start or to quit. BAT encourages those who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch completely to scientifically-substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives*†. In order to deliver this, BAT is transforming into a truly consumer-centric multi-category consumer products business.

BAT’s ambition is to have 50 million consumers of its non-combustible products by 2030 and to generate £5billion of New Categories revenue by 2025. BAT has set stretching ESG targets including achieving carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 & 2 by 2030 and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic and making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

BAT employs over 50,000 people. The BAT Group generated revenue of £27.65 billion in 2022 and profit from operations of £10.5 billion.

The company’s Strategic Portfolio is made up of its global cigarette brands and a growing range of reduced-risk*† New Category tobacco and nicotine products and traditional non-combustible tobacco products. These include vapour, tobacco heating products, modern oral products including tobacco-free nicotine pouches, as well as traditional oral products such as snus and moist snuff. In 2022, we had 22.5 million consumers of our non-combustible products, a rise of 4.2 million on full year 2021.

* Based on the weight of evidence and assuming a complete switch from cigarette smoking. These products are not risk free and are addictive.

† Our products as sold in the US, including Vuse, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Camel Snus, are subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation and no reduced-risk claims will be made as to these products without FDA clearance.

This press release is not intended as a piece of promotional material for any products. This update relates to new scientific data and is not aimed at a specific market. It is intended to provide further scientific evidence to underpin our products.

Forward-looking statements
This release contains certain forward-looking statements, including "forward-looking" statements made within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "anticipate," "could," "may," "would," "should," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "will," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," "outlook", "target" and similar expressions. These include statements regarding our customer target ambition, New Categories revenue targets and our ESG targets.

All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. It is believed that the expectations reflected in this release are reasonable, but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. A review of the reasons why actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations disclosed or implied within forward-looking statements can be found by referring to the information contained under the headings “Cautionary Statement” and "Group Principal Risks " in the 2021 Annual Report and Form 20-F of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BAT).

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in BAT's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Reports on Form 6-K, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov and BAT’s Annual Reports, which may be obtained free of charge from the BAT website www.bat.com .

Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this release and BAT undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

i The study focused on self-reported exclusive users of commercially available Vuse ePod or Vuse ePen3. Thus, references to “Vuse” in the context of the study means either Vuse ePod or Vuse ePen3.
ii Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents in Tobacco Products and Tobacco Smoke: Established List | FDA
iii World Health Organization Study Group on Tobacco Regulation. Report on the Scientific Basis of Tobacco Product Regulation: Fifth Report of a WHO Study Group, 2015.
iv Based on Vype/Vuse estimated value share from Recommended Retail Price (RRP) in measured retail for vapour (i.e. total vapour category value in retail sales) in the USA, Canada, France, UK, Germany. These five markets cover an estimated 77% of global vapour closed system net turnover (NTO), calculated in June – July 2021.
v Based on Vuse Go, Vuse ePod, ePen, eTank mini, Alto devices and consumables internal sales forecast (calculated March 2022) for 12 months starting from April 2022. Vuse will have reduced its carbon emissions by circa 55% (as of March 2023) through its internal sustainability initiatives since launched in 2019 and has now offset the remaining circa 45%.

To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.

Contact information

Media Centre
+44 (0) 20 7845 2888 (24 hours) | @BATplc

Investor Relations
Victoria Buxton: +44 (0)20 7845 2012
John Harney: +44 (0)20 7845 1263

About Business Wire

For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.

Subscribe to releases from Business Wire

Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Latest releases from Business Wire

JTI: Combatting Illegal Trade and a Collective Approach to Sustainability Were the Focus at the Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum in Seoul22.9.2023 10:00:00 EEST | Press release

The Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF) took place in Seoul, South Korea 19-21 September. “Change the Conversation. Change the Outcome.” was the theme of the conference which brought together hundreds of stakeholders from across the industry, including businesses, research consulting groups, scientists, public policy and regulatory experts and educators, among others, to discuss industry trends and challenges and share best practice thinking. Among those participating in the forum were Julian Cheung, Anti-Illicit Trade Operations Director of Asia-Pacific region, and Ana Krasojevic, Sustainability Strategy and Reporting Director, both from JTI. Anti-illicit trade: The time for action is now During her keynote address, Julian Cheung said that “Criminal groups involved in the illegal tobacco trade, siphon much-needed tax revenue from state budgets. They don’t comply with laws and regulations and, therefore, taxpayers, governments and legitimate businesses are all paying a hefty price

Thought Leaders at Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum Highlight Pathways to Drive Progress for People and Planet21.9.2023 21:04:00 EEST | Press release

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, convened its second Forum in New York City on 19 September 2023, as part of the Concordia Annual Summit, on the sidelines of New York Climate Week. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230921361807/en/ The Honorable Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella participates in the Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum (Photo: AETOSWire) Distinguished government, business, and civil society leaders participated in the Forum themed "Empowering Voices: Driving Climate Action." They discussed the critical role of social innovation, finance, technology, and policy, in accelerating progress toward a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future. This commitment to driving climate action aligns with the mission of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which was established in 2008 as a tribute to the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Za

Oliver Bäte, Allianz CEO, Addresses United Nations Climate Ambition Summit21.9.2023 18:00:00 EEST | Press release

Yesterday, leaders from 34 governments along with seven non-government bodies, including Californian governor Gavin Newsom, London mayor Sadiq Khan, the World Bank president, the Chief Executive of insurer Allianz, and the head of the UN’s Green Climate Fund, addressed the summit. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230921957666/en/ Oliver Baete, Allianz CEO, speaking at the UN Climate Ambitions Summit on September 20, 2023. (Photo: Business Wire) Allianz CEO Oliver Bäte was representing the UN-Convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) and Allianz's commitment as a "first mover and doer" in the global effort to combat the climate crisis. The transcript of Oliver Bäte’s speech follows. Dear excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Since we last came together to announce the launch of the UN-Convened Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance in 2019 in this building, the world has changed profoundly. We have not talked about th

ProAmpac Joins Nestlé to Celebrate 2023 Digital Labels & Packaging Awards21.9.2023 17:41:00 EEST | Press release

ProAmpac, a leader in flexible packaging and material science, is proud to announce its partnership with Nestlé in celebrating their joint recognition for the prestigious 2023 Digital Labels & Packaging Award. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230921516289/en/ Teams from ProAmpac’s Grimsby site and Nestlé UK Celebrate the 2023 Digital Labels & Packaging Award (Photo: Business Wire) The annual Print Award, hosted by Digital Labels & Print Magazine (DLPM), recognizes the finest achievements in digital printing as applied to packaging. During the Awards Gala held on June 29 at the Kia Oval in London, DLPM announced that Nestlé Splash – KitKat, developed in collaboration with ProAmpac, emerged as a top contender in the Application Excellence – Primary Packaging category. "We are honored to have partnered with Nestlé on this packaging achievement," expressed Adam Grose, Chief Commercial Officer at ProAmpac. "Being na

Altasciences Chosen by Virpax to Support the Development of a New Drug to Prevent Spread of Flu-like Viruses21.9.2023 17:00:00 EEST | Press release

Altasciences is pleased to have been chosen by Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRPX) (“Virpax”), a company specializing in developing non-addictive products for pain management, PTSD, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and viral barrier indications, to conduct preclinical studies in support of their development of quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ, under the trade name of AnQlar™). AnQlar is a nanoparticle intended to help prevent the spread of negatively charged viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza via intranasal spray, and has shown to inhibit the ability of the virus to replicate at non-toxic concentrations. In development since 2022, the project has so far seen the completion of safety assessment utilizing intranasal administration at Altasciences’ preclinical site in Columbia, MO. A cardiovascular study was also completed at Altasciences’ preclinical facility in Scranton, PA. Bioanalytical sample analysis for the GLP studies is currently ongoing. “We

In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.

Visit our pressroom