• The study found that adult consumers using the Vuseina BAT product performed significantly better on biomarkers relevant to smoking-related diseases compared to non-smokers.
• Lower levels of harmful substances from cigarette smoke classified as harmful or potentially harmfulii were found in participants who used Vuse exclusively compared to smokers.
• The study adds to the scientific evidence for e-cigarettes as a reduced-risk product category* and highlights the value of Vuse in reducing the harm of smoking.
• The results of the study highlight the contribution of electronic cigarettes to reducing the harm of smoking.

New results of one of the largest ever e-cigarette studies analyzing BAT's flagship brand, Vuse, have been published in the journal Internal and Emergency Medicine.

The study compared clinical measurements between consumers who exclusively use Vuse and smokers. Study results show that participants who used Vuse compared to smokers had more favorable differences in biomarkers of exposure (BoE) and biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) relevant to smoking-related diseases.

Vuse users showed significantly lower biomarkers of exposure to primary cigarette smoke toxins as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO)i. The data also showed favorable differences between Vuse users and smokers in all measured biomarkers of potential harm, three of which were statistically significant.

Dr James Murphy, Director of Research and Science at BAT, said:

"The use of e-cigarettes is becoming more and more important, as adult smokers are increasingly looking for alternative nicotine products with reduced risk. The results of this study are important for Vuse, BAT and consumers, because they allow us to better understand the positive impact of e-cigarettes compared to smoking. The research shows a clear difference between users of the Vuse device compared to smokers and further confirms the role of the electronic cigarette in reducing the harms of smoking. I would like to thank everyone who participated and helped in the realization of this study. This is another important step forward on our path to building A Better TomorrowTM."

Electronic cigarettes are the most researched and accepted alternative tobacco and nicotine products in the world. BAT's scientific data on e-cigarettes has been published in more than 80 peer-reviewed journals and contributes to the evidence supporting the category's role in reducing tobacco harm. The innovative "crossover study", which is one of the largest studies of e-cigarettes, provides key insights into the health impact of their use.

Vuse is the leading global e-cigarette brandii based on market share and the first global carbon-neutral e-cigarette brandiii. Vuse is available in 33 markets, with over 10 million consumers worldwide.

Notes for editors

Based on measured biomarkers, compared to smokers, Vuse-only users reported:

• significantly lower levels of all measured biomarkers of exposure to primary toxins from cigarette smoke, as defined by WHO,
• significantly favorable differences in three biomarkers of potential harm related to the development of cardiovascular diseases (11-dTX B2, COHb and sICAM-1),
• lower levels of biomarkers of potential harm (WBC and 8-epi-PGF2a) for general inflammation and oxidative stress,
• favorable differences in a biomarker of potential harm (HDL) relevant to cardiovascular disease
• favorable differences in the biomarker of potential harm (FeNO) relevant to lung health

More about the study

A clinical study of Vuse users, smokers, ex-smokers and never-smokers provides a comprehensive analysis of 17 biomarkers of exposure (BoE) to primary cigarette smoke toxins, biomarkers of potential harm (BoH) and physiological measures relevant to cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases and cancer.

The study involved people from the United Kingdom, aged between 19 and 55 and in good general health. Four different groups were included and studied:

1. Current smokers who smoked for at least one year prior to screening
2. Consumers who have been using Vuse (ePod and/or ePen3) for at least six months
3. Former smokers who stopped smoking at least six months before screening
4. Participants who have never smoked

All participants were tested for urinary cotinine, a biomarker of nicotine exposure, and exhaled carbon monoxide to determine their nicotine consumption and smoking status. Consumers using Vuse and ex-smokers were tested for the CEVal biomarker, to confirm that they had not smoked cigarettes in the previous six months.

In addition to the wide range of BoE and BoPH assessed, another strength of this study design was the relatively large number of participants (n-213 recruited), larger than any previous e-cigarette study of this type.

Unlike longitudinal studies where participants make multiple clinic visits over a long period of time, participants in this study made one overnight clinic visit where examiners analyzed their breath, urine and blood to measure BoE and BoH, and and other clinical measurements relevant to health.

Study participants used their own Vuse products and brands of cigarettes, using them at their usual intensity throughout the 24-hour study period. The pattern of use and total consumption of the participants was not controlled during the study, as the aim was to evaluate the measured effects in people using the products in their "normal" way, not in a controlled way.

Forward-looking statements

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Additional information regarding this and other factors can be found in BAT's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including its Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Report on Form 6-K which can be downloaded for free from the SEC website http://www.sec.gov ie. BAT's annual report, which can be obtained free of charge on BAT's website, www.bat.com.

Past performance is not a guide to future results, and persons requiring advice should contact an independent financial advisor. Forward-looking statements represent the knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this publication, and BAT undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements in the future, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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