Despite its commitments, Philip Morris associates Vectura with its entry into the cannabis sector

A few months after its acquisition of Vectura, Philip Morris International is looking to launch into the therapeutic cannabis sector to treat heart attacks and chronic pain. To do this, Philip Morris is mobilizing Vectura's expertise, while the cigarette manufacturer had committed to letting the pharmaceutical laboratory develop independently and not to involve it in its own development strategy..

In August 2021, Philip Morris International completed the acquisition of the pharmaceutical laboratory Vectura, a specialist in the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory diseases. This transaction, at 1.3 billion euros, had sparked indignation in public health circles, raising alarm about the conflicts of interest that this acquisition would undoubtedly cause. For its part, Philip Morris International, in particular with a view to avoiding Vectura's exclusion of the scientific community, had committed to develop the laboratory "independently" and as an "autonomous unit"[1].

Vectura's expertise in inhalation necessary for entry into this new sector

With the Danish company Fertin Pharma, the world leader in tobacco products wants to launch into "cannabinoid-based products that help people take charge of their well-being". However, the development of the cigarette manufacturer in this new sector implies the mobilization of the expertise of the pharmaceutical laboratory, as evidenced by a communication from Philip Morris, mentioning that this new project "brings together Vectura's expertise in inhalation, Fertin Pharma's leadership in oral and intra-oral delivery systems, as well as the preclinical expertise and global reach of Philip Morris International". Thus, nine months after its public commitment to guarantee independence, Vectura and Philip Morris International are closely linked in a joint venture.

Tobacco Industry Takeover of the Cannabis Industry

This development in the therapeutic cannabis sector continues to confirm the tobacco industry's new interest in marijuana. In March 2021, British American Tobacco (BAT) announced the acquisition of almost a fifth of the shares of the Canadian company Organigram, which specializes in medical and recreational cannabis. Earlier, the manufacturer Altria had also invested $1.8 billion in Chronos Group, a Canadian company marketing medical cannabis. Until now, the cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris had remained relatively mysterious about its intentions regarding the cannabis sector. In May 2021, the former CEO indicated that he was closely monitoring this new sector, and was considering entering the market limited only to smokeless products.

FT

[1] The Telegraph, Marlboro maker plots major push into cannabis with Vectura, 03/04/2022, (accessed 05/04/2022)