Biotech firm's Big Tobacco model to curb nicotine habit

Investors' hopes are pinned on 22nd Century's technology - unproven so far - becoming widespread

Investors are betting on a little-known biotech company to supply Big Tobacco with low-nicotine cigarettes, but so far its technology is unproven. 

Shares in New York-based 22nd Century Group have soared 80 per cent to a three-year high since late last month, when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed cutting the nicotine levels in cigarettes so they aren’t so addictive. 

Investors’ hopes are pinned on 22nd Century’s technology becoming widespread, although none of the big tobacco makers has bought it yet. 

The plant biotechnology company says it has more than 200 patents that give it the ability to increase or decrease