Philip Morris International Makes Bid to Acquire Pharmaceutical Company Vectura

Posted on August 03, 2021   |   

This article was reviewed by the COPD Foundation Content Review and Evaluation Committee.


  • On July 9, the tobacco company Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) and Vectura, developer and manufacturer of inhalers widely used by patients with COPD, agreed on PMI’s offer to acquire Vectura Group plc., subject to the approval of shareholders and the United Kingdom (UK) government.
  • Smoking has been scientifically proven to cause COPD, lung cancer, and other diseases resulting in over 8 million deaths per year worldwide. This means the same company that has profited from manufacturing cigarettes and other tobacco products now looks to benefit from the medications used to treat the lung diseases caused by their product.
  • On July 10, the COPD Foundation started working with US and UK professional and advocacy organizations to consider its response.
  • On July 30, The Foundation issued a press release condemning the sale of Vectura to PMI. The statement was developed by COPDF leadership in partnership with its Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC).
    • Read the release: COPD Foundation Condemns Big Tobacco Acquisition of Pharmaceutical Company
  • On July 31, the COPD Foundation press release was covered by UK press and various social media channels.
  • On August 24, Vectura shareholders will vote on whether to accept or reject the PMI purchase.

If you have concerns, here’s what you can do:

  • If you live in the United Kingdom, share your concerns with your local government/ parliament leaders and broadly via social media:
    • UK Parliament: https://www.parliament.uk/ (Via Twitter: @UKParliament)
    • UK’s business secretary: Kwasi Kwarteng (Via Twitter: @KwasiKwarteng)
  • In the United States, share your concerns via social media and other networks.
  • Don’t forget to tag us @COPDFoundation!

About Philip Morris International (PMI): https://www.pmi.com/)

PMI is a leading international tobacco company engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and smoke-free products, associated electronic devices and accessories, and other nicotine-containing products in markets outside the U.S.

About Vectura Group plc: https://www.vectura.com/

Vectura is a specialist inhalation contract development and manufacturing company (CDMO) that provides inhaled drug development solutions to help its customers bring their medications to patients, including those with COPD.

4 Comments



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  • Thanks - very helpful!
    Reply
  • Thank you for keeping us informed. This truly is outrageous! I will be sure to share concerns on social media.
    Reply
  • Thank you for posting this - so important that we know!
    Reply
  • What was the result of the vote on August 24 by Vectura shareholders?

    "This means the same company that has profited from manufacturing cigarettes and other tobacco products now looks to benefit from the medications used to treat the lung diseases caused by their product." <--- This alone should be reason to deny this acquisition and pass laws to prevent future similar acquisitions by producers of products that caused the diseases.

    Reply