We understand that cigarette smoking causes serious diseases and is addictive. We agree with public health authorities that the best way to reduce the health effects of smoking is to quit or not to start in the first place. We also recognize that quitting can be difficult and many smokers who try to quit do not succeed.
For many smokers quitting can be difficult. Clinical trials indicate that success rates for public health-recommended quitting methods are approximately 25 percent.* We provide financial support for scientific research to contribute to the development of more effective quitting methods.
In June 2004, we gave Duke University a $15 million, three-year grant to develop, evaluate and disseminate improved methods to quit smoking and to communicate the results of the research. In October 2006, we extended the grant for an additional $15 million over the three-year period June 2007 – May 2010. We hope that this research will lead to more effective quitting methods.
These grants helped establish the Duke Center for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research (CNSCR) and will provide funding for smoking cessation research ranging from laboratory investigations to clinical practice. The CNSCR is a multidisciplinary, multi-site center working to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying tobacco addiction, and to promote the development of more effective smoking cessation treatments.
As indicated by the terms of this grant, Philip Morris USA has no right to direct or influence how the research is conducted, and has no right to exercise any control or influence regarding the publication or dissemination of research results. The grant simply requires that the funded research be conducted in the field of smoking cessation science.
We strongly encourage the CNSCR to publish its research results in peer reviewed scientific publications and journals without prior review of, or approval by, PM USA. Under the terms of this grant, PM USA does not have any intellectual property rights to new products that are developed at the Center; the Duke University CNSCR will own all such rights. PM USA requires that all publications resulting from the funded research disclose PM USA’s financial support of the research.
