Plant biotech specialist 22nd Century plans to ask the Food and Drug Administration this summer to certify a very low nicotine cigarette as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), the company said.

Last year snus maker Swedish Match became the first company to have an MRTP application accepted for review. MRTP approval would allow milder health warnings on packaging. An FDA ruling on Swedish Match applications is expected in the next two months.
New York based 22nd Century said it also would seek MRTP certification for a second low tar-to-nicotine cigarette in 2016. Brands currently on the market include Red Sun, marketed in the US as a high-nicotine premium cigarette, and Magic, which was recently launched in Europe as a low nicotine smoke.