The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused a request by tobacco companies to vacate a 2009 order requiring them to finance a USD 278 million (EUR 193 million) smoking cessation program in Louisiana.

Philip Morris, as one of  the four tobacco companies, is responsible for 25 per cent of the judgement, which includes approximately USD 37 million in interest will be applied, the tobacco company said. The judgement is less than one quarter of the original award, PM said. The class action suit, Scott vs American Tobacco Co., alleged tobacco companies misrepresented the addictive effects of nicotine. The suit was filed in 1996. (ci)