British American Tobacco (BAT) has entered into a research license agreement with 22^nd Century for access to the US biotechnology company’s technology to alter nicotine levels in tobacco plants.

BAT will pay 22^nd Century USD 7 million (EUR 5.2 million) initially and another USD 7 million based on achievement of agreed development milestones, the US company said in a statement.
"This partnership with British American Tobacco, which sells product in approximately 180 countries, represents 22nd Century's greatest growth milestone to date and an important step in the development of 22nd Century's next generation tobacco products”, said Joseph Pandolfino, founder and chief executive of 22^nd Century.