Cigarette Maker Moving Toward End Of Smokes As We Know Them: Report

(CBS) – Philip Morris International has signaled it may one day phase out traditional cigarettes as it develops an alternative that heats tobacco but doesn't burn it.

Consumers still ingest nicotine with the test-marketed "heated tobacco" products, but supposedly they get less toxins.

The head of Switzerland-based PMI, Andre Calantzopolous, talked with the BBC in a story published this week. He is quoted as saying he'd like to work with governments to phase out conventional smokes in favor of products that are less harmful.

Consumers load tobacco sticks into charged holders that heat up the tobacco. It's a different system than e-cigarette "vaping" systems, the BBC reports.

PMI is a spin-off from the American company Altria, parent of Philip Morris USA.