{"id":954097,"date":"2026-04-23T07:53:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T11:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/22nd-century-group-expands-reduced-nicotine-platform-through-new-testing-services-agreement-with-north-carolina-state-university\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T07:53:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T11:53:06","slug":"22nd-century-group-expands-reduced-nicotine-platform-through-new-testing-services-agreement-with-north-carolina-state-university","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/22nd-century-group-expands-reduced-nicotine-platform-through-new-testing-services-agreement-with-north-carolina-state-university\/","title":{"rendered":"22nd Century Group Expands Reduced Nicotine Platform Through New Testing Services Agreement with North Carolina State University"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\n MOCKSVILLE, N.C., April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — <\/b>22nd Century Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XXII), a tobacco products company focused on nicotine reduction and plant biotechnology, today announced corporate updates regarding a new testing services agreement with North Carolina State University aimed at validating tobacco varieties featuring improved leaf quality and increased crop yields with the same low-nicotine content.<\/p>\n

The initiative builds upon 22nd Century\u2019s proprietary reduced nicotine content technology platform, which utilizes advanced plant breeding and biotechnology to reduce nicotine content in tobacco to minimally addictive levels. The Company\u2019s reduced nicotine tobacco is the foundation of its FDA-authorized VLN\u00ae<\/sup> combustible cigarette products and represents years of scientific development in plant genetics and regulatory science.<\/p>\n

The newly signed testing services agreement will focus on confirming commercial viability of tobacco varieties incorporating 22nd Century\u2019s patented low-nicotine genetics to increase yield, improve leaf quality and consistency, support more efficient, scalable production, ensure long-term sustainability for contracted growers, and preserve the integrity of the Company\u2019s reduced-nicotine characteristics.<\/p>\n

Larry Firestone, Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group, stated \u201cThis is about producing robust reduced nicotine tobacco plants from the ground up. As policymakers and regulators around the world continue to focus on health, wellness, and sensible standards that reduce nicotine dependence, we believe our VLN\u00ae<\/sup> products are in prime position to support that global dialogue. Our products and technology directly align with the U.S. FDA\u2019s proposed maximum nicotine standard and broader global public health objectives aimed at lowering addiction levels across the U.S. and around the world. This important research only further strengthens our commitment and consistent track record of demonstrating commercial viability. We believe our reduced nicotine VLN\u00ae<\/sup> cigarette products are the best alternative to highly addictive standard cigarettes and other nicotine products in the market if the FDA\u2019s policies were implemented.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy continuing to partner with North Carolina State University, one of the nation\u2019s premier agricultural research institutions, we are investing in next-generation plant science to further strengthen our proprietary tobacco genetics. Improving the yield and quality of low-nicotine tobacco is not just good agronomy, it strengthens American farming, enhances supply chain resilience, and ensures that our reduced nicotine platform can scale reliably and sustainably. We are combining innovation, regulatory alignment, and agricultural excellence to deliver a product designed for the future of nicotine policy and adult consumer choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Under the terms of the testing services agreement, researchers at North Carolina State University will work alongside 22nd Century\u2019s plant science team to evaluate genetic pathways associated with increased harvest volume per acre and an even better-quality leaf for our new lines of reduced nicotine tobacco. The research is expected to include field evaluations, quality assessments, yield calculations, and alkaloid characterization with nicotine quantification.<\/p>\n

The collaboration with North Carolina State University reflects 22nd Century\u2019s continued commitment to science-driven innovation across the entire value chain, from plant genetics to finished product as we advance our mission to reduce the harms associated with smoking and nicotine.<\/p>\n

The Company will provide updates as research milestones are achieved.<\/p>\n

\n FDA Authorization and Scientific Foundation<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n

VLN\u00ae<\/sup> low nicotine combustible cigarettes were authorized in December 2021, making them the first and still the only combustible cigarettes authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically to help reduce nicotine consumption.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Decades of independent clinical research and peer-reviewed studies\u2014evaluated as part of the FDA\u2019s Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) authorization process\u2014demonstrated\u00a0that reducing nicotine content can decrease nicotine intake, increase quit attempts, and reduce overall exposure to nicotine.\u00a0<\/p>\n

FDA-authorized VLN\u00ae<\/sup> claims include:\u00a0<\/p>\n