LAUSANNE, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--September 13, 2017--Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE/Euronext Paris: PM) today announces its support for the establishment of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World.

The Foundation will fund research and encourage innovative measures to reduce the harm caused by smoking. It will evaluate the impact that smoke-free alternatives can have on smokers and public health, assess the effect of reduced cigarette consumption on the industry value chain, and measure overall progress towards a smoke-free world.

André Calantzopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of PMI, said, “There is a unique opportunity today to significantly change the health trajectories of the millions of men and women who continue to smoke by offering them a better choice. The Foundation is a welcome driver of change, at a time when a smoke-free future is clearly on the horizon. We will welcome its recommendations to accelerate smoker adoption of less harmful alternatives.”

PMI currently expects to support the Foundation by contributing approximately USD 80 million per year, depending on the Foundation's requirements and operations, over the next 12 years, beginning in 2018. This sustained support reflects PMI’s commitment to making a smoke-free world a reality.

The Foundation is an independent body, governed by its Board of Directors.

For information on the Foundation, see www.smoke-freeworld.org.

Philip Morris International Inc.

PMI is a leading international tobacco company, with six of the world's top 15 international brands and products sold in more than 180 markets. In addition to the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, including Marlboro, the number one global cigarette brand, and other tobacco products, PMI is engaged in the development and commercialization of Reduced-Risk Products (“RRPs”). RRPs is the term PMI uses to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continued smoking. Through multidisciplinary capabilities in product development, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-leading scientific substantiation, PMI aims to provide an RRP portfolio that meets a broad spectrum of adult smoker preferences and rigorous regulatory requirements. For more information, see www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com.