Expansion in 2026 Forecasted to Exceed 5,000 Retail Outlets Nationwide as Consumers Demonstrate Interest in VLN® Brands VLN® Remains the Only FDA-Authorized Combustible Cigarette Designed to Reduce Nicotine Consumption MOCKSVILLE, N.C., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 22nd Century Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XXII), a tobacco products company focused on reducing the harms of smoking through nicotine reduction, today announced continued early sales momentum for its VLN® low nicotine cigarette products in the U.S. ...

Core Insights - 22nd Century Group, Inc. ended 2025 with $7.1 million in cash and is debt-free, which supports its transition to growth [1][5] - The company is focusing on the commercial expansion of its VLN brand, which is expected to drive a shift towards higher-margin proprietary branded products [1][3] Preliminary Financial Results - The company anticipates fourth quarter 2025 net revenues of approximately $3.6 million, down from $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2025 [5] - For the full year 2025, net revenues are expected to be around $17.6 million, a decrease from $24.4 million in 2024 [5] - Total cartons shipped in the fourth quarter 2025 were approximately 0.3 million, compared to 0.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 [5] - The expected gross loss for the fourth quarter 2025 is approximately $0.8 million, an improvement from $1.1 million in the third quarter [5] - The expected operating loss for 2025 is $11.6 million, down from $14.0 million in 2024 [5] - Cash and equivalents at year-end were $7.1 million, with zero long-term debt after extinguishing remaining senior secured debt in 2025 [5] Strategic Focus - The company aims to expand VLN product distribution and consumer awareness while maintaining disciplined cost management and capital allocation [3] - The groundwork for growth is being laid following the fourth quarter launch of VLN and Partner VLN brands [3] - The company remains engaged with the FDA and public health stakeholders to drive health and wellness initiatives for smokers [3]

Core Viewpoint - 22nd Century Group, Inc. is advancing the fight against smoking-related health harms through its VLN reduced nicotine content products, which have been authorized by the FDA as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product [1][4]. Group 1: Product and Market Impact - The VLN reduced nicotine content cigarettes have been shown to lower daily nicotine consumption by 40% over 12 weeks in a study with over 400 participants, indicating their potential to reduce smoking rates and increase quit attempts [2]. - Approximately 28.8 million smokers in the U.S. contribute to over $600 billion in annual healthcare costs related to tobacco harm, highlighting the significant market opportunity for VLN products [2]. - VLN cigarettes contain 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes, providing a non-addictive alternative for smokers [3][10]. Group 2: Regulatory and Strategic Developments - The FDA originally authorized VLN combustible cigarettes in December 2021 for a five-year period, with a renewal application filed for December 2026 [3]. - The company is expanding its range of VLN branded products and tobacco plant varieties to offer smokers more low-nicotine alternatives, aligning with the FDA's proposed guidelines for low nicotine [5]. - The renewal process is part of the company's ongoing research and development efforts to advance reduced nicotine content in tobacco and introduce additional VLN products [5]. Group 3: Company Vision and Leadership - The CEO of 22nd Century Group emphasized that the FDA's MRTP authorization for VLN cigarettes represents a forward-thinking approach to reducing smoking-related health harms, focusing on behavioral and social aspects of nicotine addiction [4]. - The company aims to empower smokers to take control of their nicotine consumption through its innovative VLN products, positioning itself as a leader in the tobacco harm reduction movement [8][9].

Core Insights - 22nd Century Group, Inc. is a leader in the tobacco harm reduction movement, focusing on reducing nicotine addiction through innovative products [3][4]. Company Announcement - The CEO, Larry Firestone, will present at the Emerging Growth Virtual Investor Conference on December 10, 2025, at 3:55 PM Eastern Time [1]. Technology and Products - The company has developed proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco plants that contain 95% less nicotine than traditional tobacco [4]. - The flagship product, VLN cigarette, is designed to provide traditional smokers with a familiar alternative while significantly reducing nicotine consumption [5]. - VLN cigarettes are the only low nicotine combustible cigarettes authorized by the FDA in the United States [6]. Investor Engagement - Investors can register for the conference online and submit questions in advance for consideration during the event [2]. - An archived webcast will be available for those unable to attend live [2]. Contact Information - Investor relations contact is Matt Kreps, reachable at investorrelations@xxiicentury.com or by phone at 214-597-8200 [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - 22nd Century Group, Inc. is set to host a webcast on November 4, 2025, to discuss its third quarter results for 2025, highlighting its ongoing leadership in tobacco harm reduction and nicotine consumption control [1][2]. Company Overview - 22nd Century Group is a pioneer in the tobacco harm reduction movement, focusing on enabling smokers to manage their nicotine consumption [4]. - The company has developed proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco plants that contain 95% less nicotine than traditional tobacco plants, supported by an extensive patent portfolio [5]. Products - The flagship product, VLN cigarette, utilizes low nicotine tobacco, providing traditional smokers with a familiar alternative that helps reduce nicotine consumption by 95% compared to regular cigarettes [6]. - VLN cigarettes are the only low nicotine combustible cigarettes authorized by the FDA in the United States [7]. Webcast Details - The webcast will feature Larry Firestone, CEO, and Dan Otto, CFO, who will review financial results and discuss recent progress and future plans for 2025 [2][3].

Core Viewpoint - The proposed FDA standard for nicotine yield in tobacco products could prevent 4.3 million deaths and save $600 billion annually in economic damages related to smoking [1][3]. Company Position - 22nd Century Group supports the FDA's proposed rule, emphasizing that it could lead to the complete replacement of conventional high-nicotine products with Very Low Nicotine Content (VLNC) products within two years [1][3]. - The company has developed proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco plants, which contain 95% less nicotine than traditional tobacco, enabling the production of consumer-acceptable combusted tobacco products [8][9]. Health Impact - The FDA's population health model suggests that adopting the proposed rule could prevent smoking initiation in approximately 48 million youth and young adults and avert 1.8 million tobacco-related deaths by 2060 [3][4]. - Clinical evidence supports that limiting nicotine in combusted tobacco products leads to reduced cigarette consumption, decreased dependence on tobacco, and increased cessation attempts [3][4]. Industry Support - Over 75 health care organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Cardiology, endorse the proposed rule, citing the urgent need for such a standard [4]. - Some organizations argue that the rule should extend to limit nicotine in Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) as well [4]. Opposition - Major legacy tobacco producers oppose the proposed standard, citing concerns over economic disruption and potential illicit trade [5]. - The company argues that the opposition from these producers contradicts their stated goals of transitioning smokers to less harmful products [5].

Core Insights - 22nd Century Group has settled all claims related to the Grass Valley incident for a one-time payment of $9.5 million, which will be paid by insurers within 45 days [1][2] - The company is now debt-free, marking a transition from survival capital to growth capital, and is positioned to focus on driving profitability by 2026 [2] Company Overview - 22nd Century Group is a leader in the tobacco harm reduction movement, enabling smokers to manage their nicotine consumption [3] - The company has developed proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco plants that contain 95% less nicotine than traditional tobacco [4] Product Information - The flagship product, VLN cigarette, is designed for traditional smokers, offering a combustible alternative with 95% less nicotine, proven to help reduce nicotine consumption [5] - VLN cigarette is the only low nicotine combustible cigarette authorized by the FDA in the United States [6]

Core Insights - 22nd Century Group has successfully repaid $3.9 million in senior secured debt, significantly reducing ongoing cash needs and operating costs by eliminating cash interest and amortization expenses [1][2] - The company has eliminated over $20 million in senior secured and subordinated debt since the current CEO joined, positioning itself for growth with a debt-free balance sheet [2] - The completion of the Series A convertible preferred stock offering and debt repayment has resulted in an approximate $9.1 million increase in adjusted pro forma net tangible book value, equating to about $1.05 per share [2] Financial Position - The company’s balance sheet now reflects working capital that supports the purchase of low nicotine leaf crops, enabling the production of more than 1 million cartons of VLN products [1][2] - Plans are in place to deploy a portion of capital to expand the inventory of very low nicotine tobacco leaf in Q4 2025 [2] Product and Technology - 22nd Century Group is pioneering the tobacco harm reduction movement with its proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco plants, which contain 95% less nicotine than traditional tobacco [4][5] - The flagship product, VLN cigarettes, provide traditional smokers with a familiar alternative that helps them control their nicotine consumption [5][6] - VLN cigarettes are the only low nicotine combustible cigarettes authorized by the FDA in the United States [6]

Core Insights - 22nd Century Group, Inc. is leading the nicotine harm reduction movement in the tobacco industry, focusing on helping smokers control their nicotine consumption [3][4] - The company will host investor meetings on September 9, 2025, during the HC Wainwright Conference in New York [1][2] Company Overview - 22nd Century Group has developed the VLN cigarette, which contains 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes, providing smokers with a familiar alternative to manage their nicotine intake [4][5] - The company utilizes proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco blends, supported by patented technologies that regulate nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco plants, ensuring a full flavor experience with lower nicotine levels [5] Product Details - VLN cigarettes are designed to allow consumers to significantly reduce their nicotine consumption while still enjoying a combustible cigarette format [4] - The extensive patent portfolio of 22nd Century Group secures its position as the only provider of low nicotine combustible cigarettes in the United States and key international markets [5]

Core Viewpoint - 22nd Century Group, Inc. is leading the nicotine harm reduction movement in the tobacco industry, focusing on providing smokers with alternatives to manage their nicotine consumption effectively [3][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - 22nd Century Group, Inc. has been at the forefront of combating the harms of smoking due to nicotine addiction for 27 years [1]. - The company is set to present at the Emerging Growth Virtual Investor Conference on August 20, 2025, at 1:10 PM Eastern Time [1]. - The flagship product, VLN cigarettes, contains 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes, allowing smokers to significantly reduce their nicotine intake [4]. Group 2: Product Details - VLN cigarettes are designed to provide an authentic smoking experience while enabling smokers to take control of their nicotine consumption [4]. - The company utilizes proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco blends, supported by patented technologies that regulate nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco plants [5]. - The extensive patent portfolio ensures that 22nd Century Group holds the only low nicotine combustible cigarette in the United States and key international markets [5].