Cigarette maker develops nicotine inhaler

LOS ANGELES, Oct 30, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Cigarette maker Philip Morris has developed an inhaler that could deliver a dose of nicotine without the toxic gases and carcinogens associated with smoking.

The Los Angeles Times says internal documents show the device was invented nearly a dozen years ago at a time the tobacco industry was vigorously denying that nicotine was addictive.

It was part of an effort by the top cigarette maker to explore the possibility of offering a "clean" form of nicotine to those who can't or won't quit smoking.

Chrysalis Technologies Inc., a Philip Morris subsidiary, is trying to sell the inhaler as an alternative to injections for a variety of medications, including pain remedies and treatments for emphysema, a disease caused by smoking.

Nicotine is a mild stimulant that helps some people to focus and relax when under stress. Although a crucial part of a deadly product, experts say nicotine by itself is not very bad for most people.

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