22nd Century Group partners with NC State to enhance low-nicotine tobacco quality and yield.

22nd Century Group has signed a testing services agreement with North Carolina State University to improve the quality and yield of its proprietary low-nicotine tobacco varieties. This collaboration aims to validate tobacco plants that maintain minimal nicotine levels while increasing crop yields and leaf quality, supporting sustainable and scalable production. The initiative aligns with global health efforts to reduce nicotine addiction and builds on 22nd Century's FDA-authorized VLN® cigarettes, which contain 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes. The partnership will involve field evaluations and genetic research to ensure commercial viability and strengthen the company's position in the tobacco harm reduction market.