LeBow has released incriminating industry documents, acknowledged smoking kills and is addictive, settled industry lawsuits and testified against industry leaders. Vector's cigarette arm, Liggett Group, hopes to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to sell the new cigarette as a tool for quitters. If that failed, the company could still promote the cigarette's lack of addictive power by telling smokers they can choose to smoke when they want to instead of when they need to. The genetically altered tobacco was developed by former North Carolina State University geneticist Mark Conkling, who now works for Vector. Tests have shown the nameless cigarette to be popular with older smokers.
Smokers also report smoking less when they smoke a combination of the new and existing cigarettes.
The cigarettes could be used as a stepping stone to cessation or as a less harmful alternative for smokers who can't stop, Rose said. Another interesting test finding is that the smokers showed no signs of harmful compensation, a practice seen in smokers switching from high to low nicotine cigarettes of drawing harder and holding smoke in the lungs longer, he said. The cigarette is expected to reach the market early next year after Liggett completes tests, picks a brand name and grows enough tobacco to build inventory. With 1.5 percent of the U.S. market, Liggett until now was content to live off the marketing of the majors to maintain sales, primarily generic and discount house brands sold by convenience stores and others. Unlike the competition, Liggett does not advertise its cigarettes, puts an extra warning on all packs saying smoking is addictive and puts an ingredient list in cartons.