http://www.tobacco.org/newsfeed/category/harmreduction.rss Latest top tobacco news headlines en-us http://www.fool.com/investing/small-cap/2012/01/17/what-2012-has-in-store-for-star-scientific.aspx http://tobacco.org/news/333201.html As I discussed last month, Star Scientific put in solid gains in 2011 as the company got out in front of a shift toward cigarette alternatives. But increasingly, tobacco giants Altria (NYSE: MO ) and Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI ) have made pushes into the smokeless tobacco realm, threatening to take away any moat that Star Scientific may have started to build. Can the small company make good on its full potential and bring an even bigger payday for shareholders in 2012? Below, I'll take a closer look at what people expect from Star Scientific and its rivals. . . . Even with those patents, tobacco will continue to be competitive, and Star Scientific will keep facing potential threats from Reynolds and Altria domestically. As international regulation starts to have a bigger impact on Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM ) and British American Tobacco (AMEX: BTI ) , Star may have new opportunities there as well. But even with some things in its favor, Star will still need to fight hard to keep an edge and repeat 2011's strong stock performance. If you'd rather just skip the tobacco industry entirely, let us point you to an alternative. In its latest special report, you can learn the name of The Motley Fool's top stock for 2012. Motley Fool Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-tobacco-letter-20120126,0,7056087.story http://tobacco.org/news/332862.html In response to the recent letter defending smokeless tobacco use ("All tobacco products are not equally harmful," Jan. 24), the risk of tobacco trumps all others. Fifty cigarettes a day increases the risk of end-stage lung disease and lung cancer 150-fold. This is orders of magnitude worse than other modifiable risk factors like weight, aerobic capacity blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose level. Even if smokeless tobacco is responsible for only 2 percent of tobacco deaths, we cannot accept thousands of deaths instead of over 450,000 deaths a year in America. This huge total is several times larger than letter writer Brad Rodu mentioned. He forgot to include heart attack and stroke deaths, which makes his position suspect. Baltimore Sun andrew.green@baltsun.com ( Dr. Theodore Carl Houk, Lutherville) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.marketwatch.com/story/magistrate-judge-appointed-in-star-scientific-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-rj-reynolds-2012-01-26?reflink=MW_news_stmp http://tobacco.org/news/332692.html Star Scientific, Inc. /quotes/zigman/80562/quotes/nls/cigx CIGX +35.78% received an Order today from the US District Court for Maryland that refers the company's patent infringement litigation against RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR) to the Honorable Beth P. Gesner, US Magistrate Judge, for possible settlement. The Order of Reference was signed by Judge Marvin J. Garbis, who has overseen the litigation since August, 2004. Paul L. Perito, Esq., Star Scientific Chairman and President, commented, "We are pleased that after ten years of hard-fought litigation -- where both sides seldom agreed on issues -- the Court's decision to refer the litigation to a Magistrate Judge for settlement purposes was agreed to by the parties. We believe this augurs well for good faith negotiations by the parties that hopefully can lead to a mutually acceptable global resolution." CBS MarketWatch Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/26/starscientific-idUSL4E8CQ71Y20120126 http://tobacco.org/news/332691.html Star Scientific Inc, a maker of smokeless and dissolvable tobacco products, said a federal court referred its patent infringement case with a unit of Reynolds American Inc to a magistrate judge for possible settlement. The news sent Star Scientific's shares up as much as 39 percent in afternoon trade on the Nasdaq. The lawsuit concerns two of Star Scientific's patents on tobacco-leaf curing methods that claim to prevent the formation of cancer-causing chemicals during the process. "We are pleased that after ten years of hard-fought litigation -- where both sides seldom agreed on issues -- the Court's decision to refer the litigation to a Magistrate Judge for settlement purposes was agreed to by the parties," Star Scientific Chairman Paul Perito said in a statement. A Star Scientific spokeswoman told Reuters that this did not mean the companies were close to a settlement. However, both parties would explore whether there is a basis for discussion and resolution of the dispute, she said. Reuters Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bs-ed-tobacco-letter-20120123,0,6859476.story http://tobacco.org/news/332569.html Your recent editorial endorsed a tax increase on tobacco products other than cigarettes, but it was based on some sweeping statements that are not scientifically accurate or credible ("The 'other' tobacco tax," Jan 20). You stated: "Tobacco is linked to an estimated 6,861 deaths in Maryland each year … the American Lung Association reports." The Lung Association actually reported that smoking caused these deaths. The distinction is critical because your case for raising OTP taxes is based on the presumption that all tobacco products are equally risky: "Experts say all forms of tobacco are considered harmful to human health no matter whether they are smoked, puffed, chewed or otherwise ingested. Smokeless tobacco, for instance, is often linked to oral and esophageal cancer." In fact, smokeless tobacco use is 98 percent safer than smoking. Baltimore Sun andrew.green@baltsun.com ( Brad Rodu, Louisville, Kentucky) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.acsh.org/factsfears/newsID.3342/news_detail.asp http://tobacco.org/news/332568.html Unfortunately, harm reduction approaches have yet to be widely accepted for those addicted to cigarettes. A new study by the American Cancer Society illustrates the depth of this addiction and the difficulty some smokers face even when a diagnosis of cancer makes it imperative that they quit. One woman, a smoker whose cancerous lung was removed, explained in an MSNBC interview the draw of cigarettes despite the litany of cessation methods she tried. We can't help but think that tobacco harm reduction products could have been a great help to this woman, as well as to many people like her. The new study, published in the journal Cancer, looked at nearly 2,500 lung cancer patients . . . "Wouldn't it be nice," ACSH's Dr. Elizabeth Whelan asks, "if these patients had a spectrum of smokeless products, which are both effective and at least 90 percent less harmful than cigarettes, to choose from?" ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross agrees. "It's absurd that we're recognizing the benefits of harm reduction for IV drug addicts, but we won't acknowledge how much it would help people who can't quit smoking even after a cancer diagnosis." American Council on Science and Health Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/potential-role-of-natural-alkaloids-in-combatting-memory-loss-137093763.html http://tobacco.org/news/332138.html Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGX) - A study released in the January 9th issue of the Journal of Neurology suggests that nicotine patches may help individuals with early memory loss. Dr. Paul Newhouse, a professor of psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, led a study which showed that six months of nicotine patch treatment among patients who had mild cognitive impairment - often a precursor to Alzheimer's disease - had a 46% improvement in their long-term memory for their age. The patient group who received a patch without nicotine showed a 26% decline in memory. Both patient groups were treated for six months. Nicotine is only one of a family of related compounds known as alkaloids. Anatabine, another compound in the same family, has been actively pursued by Star Scientific for a variety of uses, including as a supporter for memory loss. Star Scientific subsidiary Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals also has a number of patents pending that relate to the administration of anatabine for treatment of a variety of neurological conditions, among other things. PR Newswire smachir@starscientific.com ( SOURCE Star Scientific ) Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135600.htm http://tobacco.org/news/332063.html From a health care perspective, the best cigarette is no cigarette, but for the millions of people who try to quit smoking every year, researchers from Cornell University may have found a way to make cigarette smoking less toxic. Using natural antioxidant extracts in cigarette filters, the researchers were able to demonstrate that lycopene and grape seed extract drastically reduced the amount of cancer-causing free radicals passing through the filter. The research will be the 1500th article published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE), the only peer-reviewed, PubMed indexed video-journal. "The implications of this technique can help reduce the hazardous effects of tobacco smoke," said Dr. Boris Dzilkovski, who co-authored the paper, "because free radicals are a major group of carcinogens." ScienceDaily Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=1604918&sourceType=3 http://tobacco.org/news/332061.html With the start of a New Year, the tobacco industry is once again looking for alternative revenue drivers to cigarettes, which continue to fall out of favor with the general public. The Paragon Report examines investing opportunities in the tobacco industry and provides equity research on Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGX) and Reynolds American, Inc. (NYSE: RAI). Access to the full company reports can be found at: One of the latest reasons for the downturn of cigarettes had been the rising popularity of the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). However, a new study finds electronic, or e-cigarettes, may not be as safe as advertised. In a new study in the medical journal "Chest," found participants who used the electronic cigarettes showed restricted airways and inflammation after only five minutes. The study did not examine what the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes could be, and the lead researcher called for more studies into this. The Paragon Report provides investors with an excellent first step in their due diligence by providing daily trading ideas, and consolidating the public information available on them. For more investment research on the tobacco industry register with us free at www.paragonreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters. MarketWire Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/TobaccoProductsScientificAdvisoryCommittee/UCM287431.pdf http://tobacco.org/news/331949.html Thank you for your participation in the upcoming Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) Meeting, January 18-20, 2011, regarding dissolvable tobacco products. The information presented at the meeting will aid the Committee in producing the required report and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the issue of the nature and impact of the use of dissolvable tobacco products on the public health, including such use among children. In its review and consideration of recommendations, TPSAC shall address (1) the risks and benefits to the population as a whole including users and nonusers of tobacco products; (2) the increased or decreased likelihood that existing users of tobacco products will stop using such products; and (3) the increased or decreased likelihood that those who do not use tobacco products will start using such products. At this meeting, the Committee will hear and discuss presentations from the FDA, RTI, and various experts on dissolvable tobacco products. Presentations will be given on the following topics:  Use of Swedish oral tobacco and related health effects  Health effects of long term use of therapeutic nicotine replacement therapy Food and Drug Administration Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.fda.gov/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/TobaccoProductsScientificAdvisoryCommittee/ucm287423.htm http://tobacco.org/news/331947.html DISCLAIMER: The information in these materials is not a formal dissemination of information by FDA and does not represent agency position or policy. The information is being provided to TPSAC to aid the committee in its evaluation of the issues and questions referred to the committee. The FDA will not issue a final determination on the issues at hand until input from the advisory committee process has been considered and all reviews have been finalized. The final determination may be affected by issues not discussed at the advisory committee meeting. Coversheet Summary Memorandum from David Ashley, Ph.D. Brief Summary of Relevant Smoke-Free Laws in Test Market Cities Food and Drug Administration Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/10/e-cigarettes-smoking-do-they-work http://tobacco.org/news/331879.html So what of the fastest growing wheeze from the NRT industry: the e-cigarette? This electronic device releases varying amounts of nicotine in a warm water mist, simulating the flavour of a cigarette. A red LED light at its tip even resembles the burning tip of a cigarette. Because electronic cigarettes produce water vapour rather than smoke, they can be used indoors legally in the UK. Manufacturers claim they taste and smoke like a real cigarette. New figures from the Electronic Cigarette Consumer Association show the UK electronic cigarette industry is now worth about £5m a year. Users of the devices are expected to top 1million this year, despite repeated calls for research into their side effects from medical experts who have raised questions about what the devices contain and their impact on users. Jamie Leith, 25, director of a social enterprise, has wrestled with his 10 a day addiction (20 on weekends) for five years. "Enough is enough. I saw my friend had an e-cigarette and he'd cut down dramatically so I thought I'd give it a go," . . . . My only worry now is trying to quit the e-cig." The Guardian lifeandstyle.editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk (Katie Burnetts) UK Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/e-cigarettes-are-the-future-of-smoking-in-america-136365668.html http://tobacco.org/news/331654.html There is a different way to get that hit of nicotine without hurting yourself and those around you according to prominent harm reduction specialists like Bill Godshall of Smoke Free Pennsylvania. It's called an e-cigarette and it is the future of smoking in America. A study by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health in 2010 concluded that electronic cigarettes were safer than real cigarettes. In the report, the level of carcinogens in electronic cigarettes was found to be up to 1,000 times lower than regular cigarettes. An e-cigarette can deliver the same amount of nicotine, and more, than a traditional cigarette without releasing all the harmful toxins and carcinogens according to the research. At No. 7 E-Cigarettes, e-cigarettes are offered in various nicotine strengths from very high, which contains 24mg of nicotine, to low, which contains 8 mg of nicotine. Whether you prefer the flavor of an ultralight or a filterless cigarette, there is an e-cigarette option available. PR Newswire Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://adage.com/article/viewpoint/curtain-fallen-rjr-s-premier/231830/ http://tobacco.org/news/331440.html According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 10 million smoking-related deaths since 1988. I often wonder whether that figure would be lower if it weren't for the rigidity of the anti-smoking lobby. Our story this week about marketers being unable to tout the potential health benefits of electronic cigarettes brought to mind an Ad Age storyline from 1988: The rise and fall of Premier. Premier was an audacious attempt by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. to sell a cigarette that heated, rather than burned, tobacco. It created no sidestream smoke, produced no ashes, contained zero tar, and had 97% less nicotine and 70% less carbon monoxide than other brands at the time. . . . The company "cannot make a health claim about "zero tar,' " Diana Temple, an analyst with Salomon Bros., told me for a story I wrote 23 years ago. Nor could RJR tout the fact that its animal tests showed that the "smoke from Premier is not biologically active," meaning not tumor-producing or carcinogenic, she said. Not carcinogenic! If that was true -- even if the tests weren't independently validated -- surely this promised to be a better alternative. Yet health advocates rebelled, maintaining, as they do now, that there's no such thing as a safer cigarette. So with the best intentions, anti-smoking groups swooped into the St. Louis and Phoenix test markets faster than you could say "cancer stick." . . . Don't get me wrong: The best way to avoid cancer is to stop smoking, or never start. But as an ex-smoker, I can tell you that for those unwilling or unable to stop, a less-harmful cigarette could be the next-best thing. That said, I can't promise with 100% certainty that had I begun smoking a cigarette like Premier 20 years ago, I wouldn't still be smoking today. . . . Premier had other problems, most notably that you needed instructions to smoke it and that it stank like burning refuse. The stench was so bad that I can recall it almost 25 years later. But had the industry been allowed to continue refining that product and others, a more palatable version would surely have come to market -- and perhaps saved some lives. Months after I wrote Premier's obituary, I entered a restaurant near RJR's headquarters and picked up that unmistakable scent. I asked RJR about it and was told the company was still making Premier for employees. I can only conclude they smoked it because they knew, or suspected, something RJR couldn't share with the general public. It sure as hell couldn't have been because they liked it. Advertising Age jpollack@adage.com (Judann Pollack) Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.jove.com/video/3406/a-protocol-for-detecting-and-scavenging-gas-phase-free-radicals-in-mainstream-cigarette-smoke http://tobacco.org/news/331438.html In the present study, we report a protocol for introducing common natural antioxidant extracts into the cigarette filter for scavenging gas phase free radicals in cigarette smoke and measurement of the scavenge effect on gas phase free radicals in mainstream cigarette smoke (MCS) using spin-trapping Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectroscopy1,2,14. We showed high scavenging capacity of lycopene and grape seed extract which could point to their future application in cigarette filters. An important advantage of these prospective scavengers is that they can be obtained in large quantities from byproducts of tomato or wine industry respectively . . . Discussion A reliable estimate of the effect of different free-radical scavengers in tobacco smoke requires a reproducible technique for quantitative detection of free radicals. Previously1, it has been shown that small volumes of higher concentration spin trap solutions in non-polar solvents are most effective at trapping free radicals from tobacco smoke. Cigarette smoke always contains water vapor from combustion of organic compounds and the residual moisture in tobacco which can end up in the trapping solvent. This admixture of water in the PBN spin trap solution substantially decreases the lifetime of the spin trapping adducts and the intensity of their ESR signals. Removing this moisture by simple passing MCS through a U-shaped tube cooled with liquid nitrogen dramatically improved the quality of ESR spectra in our experiments, even though some fraction of gas-phase radicals might be also trapped on the frozen surface. Using this technique we compared relative efficiency of different radical-scavenging natural compounds introduced into cigarette filters. We found that lycopene and grape seed extract immediately after incorporating into cigarette filters are able to scavenge up to 90% of free radicals from the gas phase MSC. Such high scavenging capacity ranks these cheap readily available natural compounds among the most efficient reported free radical protectors like haemoglobin and shikonine8,14. Yet, in our experiments cigarette filters loaded with studied natural antioxidants lost a noticeable part of their scavenging capacity after a week of storage at room temperature. Solving this problem can stimulate future application of lycopene and grape seed extract in commercial cigarette filters. Journal of Visualized Experiments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT