22nd Century Group, Inc. developed VLN® cigarettes containing 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes. The proprietary tobacco was the subject of 10 years of research and more than 50 government-funded, independent clinical trials. The research was conducted by or for esteemed public health institutions and universities, including: the FDA; the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); the National Cancer Institute (NCI); Johns Hopkins University; and Mayo Clinic, to name a few.

As a result of these and other scientific evidence, VLN® received the FDA's first and only modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) authorization granted for a combustible tobacco cigarette. Additionally, the FDA requires each package of VLN® to prominently display the evidence based claim “Helps you smoke less.” A pack of VLN® cigarettes will be similarly priced to full nicotine premium brands, approximately $9-$12 depending on tax.