Scientific Product Assessment
Assessment research on reliability assurance and risk reduction of tobacco products
The JT R&D Group conducts assessment research on the reliability and risk reduction of tobacco products using chemical analysis, biological assessments, and data science, as well as research on tastes, flavors, and usability in order to ensure that consumers can enjoy tobacco products knowing scientific research have been conducted. In addition to applying existing analysis and evaluation methods, we are also working to develop new methods that enable higher-precision testing in shorter periods of time.
External communication of scientific knowledge
The JT Group is working to create an open environment where scientific information about tobacco products can be shared. An important part of product assessments is to provide consumers, researchers outside the JT Group, and those in charge of tobacco regulation with easy-to-understand, expert information. As part of these efforts, the JT R&D Group's R&D activities and research data are disclosed through our science communication site JT SCIENCE, CLUB JT, press releases, and so on.
Compliance with and establishment of international standards for analysis of tobacco products
Because tobacco products are widely distributed around the world, there are organizations that have established international frameworks for standards. Examples include the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA). In order to ensure the reliability of the JT Group's tobacco products and the data obtained, we strive to comply with international standards in product evaluation. In addition, we actively engage in external activities. We actively participate in academic meetings held by international organizations related to tobacco products, publish research results, propose new analytical methods, and contribute to the establishment of new international standards.
Chemical analysis of tobacco products
In order to consider the direction of product development and to communicate with consumers, we conduct chemical analyses of the elements that make up our products, such as cigarette smoke, RRP* vapors, indoor air environments during product use, and materials. In recent years, new types of tobacco products, such as Heated Tobacco Products, have emerged, requiring the stable analysis of extremely minute amounts of components. We contribute to this with advanced analytical technologies and various analytical instruments such as various types of chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, LC-QTOF), ICP-MS, FT-IR, NMR, and XRD.
Biological assessment of tobacco products
Cigarette smoke is reported to contain more than 6000 components, some of which have been designated as health concerns by regulators such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations. In order to scientifically research the effects of cigarettes on the body and the potential to reduce the risks of RRP,* the JT R&D Group conducts in-vitro toxicological assessment*2 and computational toxicology studies using cutting-edge science and technology, in addition to conventional toxicity evaluations used for pharmaceuticals and foods. We are also focusing on training experts in toxicology, such as submitting academic papers on research results and hiring certified toxicologists.
*Reduced-Risk Products: Products with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking
*2 in-vitro toxicological assessment: Tests to evaluate toxicity using human or animal tissues in test tubes or incubators, artificially creating an environment similar to that in the body.
Examples of research themes
- Evaluation on the potential of risk reduction associated with tobacco products, using chemical and biological methods
- Analysis of indoor air quality when tobacco products are used
- Development of a bronchial 3D culture model
- Development of risk prediction models using Organ-on-a-Chip, a biofunctional chip
- Development of in silico toxicity prediction models based on computational toxicology
