22nd Century Group, Inc. (XXII) is a leading, American biotechnology company that's focused on optimizing plant genomes, particularly tobacco, to improve its product portfolio. The company’s mission is to reduce the harm caused by smoking through the development and commercialization of less harmful tobacco and cannabis products.
The company, which is headquartered in Williamsville, New York, is listed on the NYSE American Exchange under the ticker symbol "XXII". Since its inception, 22nd Century Group, Inc. has been leveraging its technology and research acumen to create plant-based solutions that have the potential to change the world.
22nd Century’s foundational work is centered around the genetic engineering and plant breeding of tobacco and cannabis plants to develop proprietary plant varieties with altered levels of nicotine or THC. The company’s flagship tobacco products have up to 97% less nicotine than traditional varieties, making them an attractive choice for consumers looking to reduce their nicotine intake.
The company was initially known for its efforts to create tobacco with low nicotine levels. This focus has since broadened to include the development of specific cannabinoids for medical, therapeutic, and agricultural uses. The work it carried out has resulted in the ability to isolate and increase or decrease the levels of specific cannabinoids within the plant.
22nd Century Group, Inc. holds an impressive portfolio of intellectual property related to the tobacco and cannabis plant genomes, including over 200 issued patents and more than 50 additional pending patent applications.
With its genetic modification and plant breeding capabilities, the company believes they can significantly help in tackling the global harm caused by smoking. There is hope the products could be instrumental in global harm reduction strategies, changing the landscape of the tobacco industry.
Through its subsidiaries, 22nd Century Group also offers contract manufacturing and research and development services. In addition to these, the company proudly leads an impressive co-development agreement with British American Tobacco, aimed at creating breakthrough tobacco and cannabis products.
22nd Century Group, Inc. continues to develop and license its proprietary technologies to ensure the production of safer, more effective products. By focusing on maximizing the potential of the tobacco and cannabis genomes, it aims to keep pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in plant science.