Daily Doc: PM, Mar 19, 1981: Beneficial Additives: Medicating the Masses?
Daily Doc: Beneficial Additives: Medicating the Masses?
Title: Beneficial Additive Cigarette
PM, Mar 19, 1981
Bates #: 1000123662/3666
December 11, 2000
In this Philip Morris document, Beneficial Additive Cigarette, scientists glibly and easily kick around the idea of medicating the general public for dental caries, reducing anxiety, cold symptoms, improving moods, etc. through cigarettes. Their frequent references to how careful they must be not to trigger FDA regulation makes one realize how important the FDA's "interference" is in protecting people from physical and chemical tinkering at the hands of the tobacco industry's "shade-tree pharmacists." [NOTE: The term "shade tree pharmacist" is my adaptation of the term "shade tree mechanic," which refers to an untrained person who tinkers with engines for entertainment].
Notice how ideas like introducing compounds into cigarettes that reduce oral plaque, freshen breath and reduce odors are considered good, while Idea #20, brushes off the obvious:
"Additives to reduce biological acitvity are not considered worth pursing at this time....The idea might be worth pursuing when we have identified specific compounds responsible for activity."
CITATION
Title: Beneficial Additive Cigarette
Type of Document: Internal memo, Philip Morris
Author L.F. Meyer
To: Dr. R.B. Seligman
Date: 19810319
Page Count: 4
Site: Philip Morris Document Site http://www.pmdocs.com/
Bates No. 1000123662/3666
URL: http://www.pmdocs.com/getallimg.asp?DOCID=1000123662/3666
QUOTES
As a result of two idea sessions on developing a cigarette with a beneficial additive, some 22 suggestions were generated...The Directors met to attempt evaluation of these suggestions...
Ideas 2, 3, 4 & 17:
Cigarettes delivering therapeutic agents, physiological effects, mood changes, or reducing dental caries, anxiety, colds, etc. received much discussion. Although cigarette filler is a relatively poor delivery device, tipping paper can be coated and the agents may be delivered orally. The questions of potential FDA jurisdiction and PM's inability to advertise these benefits was raised. Third party publication of beneficial effects based on their experimentation was suggested as an alternative. However, before undertaking any program of this nature considering the time, money and effort that will be required, further delineation and definitive direction is needed. Many of these suggestions imply long range programs with questionable payoff if the benefit cannot be advertised.
Ideas 5 & 17:
Advertising the appetite suppressant characteristic of cigarettes as a benefit or the relief of colds with menthol cigarettes presents another touchy situation and potential FDA interference. Third party endorsement is a possibility but it then applies to the total industry, not just PM, unless of course PM products show up superior and are noted as such.
Idea 8:
Reduction of stale smoke and butt odors is already part of a new program...
Idea 9:
A publicity campaign focusing on the wholesomeness of our current additives is a very delicate situation in that it could backfire...
Idea 11:
The use of odorless compounds which only take effect in the mouth through enzymatic reaction was an interesting concept and should be pursued.
Idea 14:
Breath freshener either through filler addition or tipping paper application is another good idea that should be pursued. Care must be taken to avoid claims and potential FDA regulation.
Idea 18
Parsley as a breath freshener is a good idea and should be pursued.
Idea 20
Additives to reduce biological activity are not considered worth pursuing at this time....The idea may be worth pursuing when we have identified specific compounds responsible for activity.
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