from yahoo
By Myron Levin Times Staff Writer
Cigarette maker Philip Morris has developed an inhaler that could deliver a nicotine mist deep into the lungs, giving smokers a satisfying dose of the addictive drug without the carcinogens, gases and toxic metals that make tobacco smoke so dangerous.
Cloaked in secrecy, the device was invented nearly a dozen years ago at a time the tobacco industry was vigorously denying that nicotine was addictive, internal company documents show. It was part of an effort by the top cigarette maker to explore the possibility of offering a "clean" form of nicotine to those who can't or won't quit.
A nicotine inhaler probably would draw a mixed response, similar to the debate over offering clean needles to heroin users. Though some health professionals might object to any product that sustains nicotine dependence, many others say "clean" nicotine could be a powerful weapon in the fight against tobacco-related diseases.
For reasons Philip Morris declines to discuss, the project appears to have stalled. The company has been aggressively courting pharmaceutical companies to use the inhaler for therapeutic drugs, but its future as a cigarette alternative is a mystery.
"For competitive reasons, we do not comment on our future business plans," said Peggy Roberts, senior director of communications for Philip Morris USA, which is part of Altria Group Inc.
For Philip Morris, a nicotine inhaler would pose clear risks.
The company controls 50% of the U.S. cigarette market on the strength of its Marlboro brand, the world's most popular cigarette. An alternative product, if successful, could cannibalize Philip Morris' existing business — and possibly create a new public relations headache. Mitch Zeller, a former Food and Drug Administration official, said some might accuse the company "of getting smokers at both ends" and "keeping the customer in the franchise in a very clever way."
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