Tobacco giant Philip Morris is investing billions in health care. Critics say it’s peddling cures for its own poison

Sept. 7, 2022

Mike Reddy for STAT

A new health care company was quietly incorporated last month, with plans to leverage cutting-edge inhalation technology and oral delivery expertise to treat everything from neurology to cardiovascular emergencies.

The multibillion-dollar company, Vectura Fertin Pharma, stands out not simply for its ambitions, but because of its financial backer: Philip Morris International, the tobacco behemoth whose cigarettes are sold in more than 180 countries.

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About the Author

Olivia Goldhill

Investigative Reporter

Olivia is an investigative reporter at STAT, working to hold corporations and public bodies to account in their response to Covid-19.

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Tobacco giant Philip Morris is investing billions in health care. Critics say it’s peddling cures for its own poison

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Olivia Goldhill

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