22nd Century Plans 100mm Reduced Nicotine Cigarettes FDA Submission

22nd Century Group, Inc. is advancing its reduced nicotine cigarette offerings by developing a 100mm version of its VLN® reduced nicotine cigarettes, targeting FDA submission by Q4 2025. This expansion, called “Operation 100,” aims to capture approximately half of the U.S. cigarette market, as 100mm cigarettes are preferred by half of U.S. smokers. The new product will be available under the VLN® brand and partner brands such as Smoker Friendly and Pinnacle. Independent clinical studies and FDA review have shown that reduced nicotine cigarettes, like VLN®, help reduce smoking behaviors, dependence, and increase quit attempts. Additionally, 22nd Century has expanded its Pinnacle product agreement with a top-5 convenience store chain to launch Pinnacle VLN Gold and Menthol VLN cigarettes in 1,700 stores across 27 states by late summer or early fall 2025, pending approvals, along with two moist snuff flavors planned for later in the year. The company manufactures these products using proprietary low-nicotine tobacco at its North Carolina facility and expects growth despite current financial challenges.