RED SUN Cigarettes: We Put the Fun Back Into Smoking!

Goodrich Tobacco Company, a subsidiary of 22nd Century Group, Inc. (OTCBB: XXII.ob), introduced RED SUN brand cigarettes to the tobacco trade at the NATO (National Association of Tobacco Outlets) trade show in Las Vegas. RED SUN is a super-premium specialty cigarette that challenges the anti-smoking establishment.

In response to consumer sentiment against the endless assault on tobacco usage, Goodrich Tobacco Company proclaims on RedSunCigarettes.com: "We put the Fun back into smoking!” RED SUN contains a rich, proprietary tobacco blend with relatively high natural nicotine content, and RED SUN utilizes the finest cigarette paper and filter creating an extraordinary tasting cigarette that smokers describe as "The Best Cigarette Ever Made.”

Henry Sicignano III, President of Goodrich Tobacco Company, explained, "RED SUN was created for smokers, by smokers. Our product was developed for adults who are expressly unapologetic about smoking.” Having spearheaded the grass-roots marketing campaigns that led to the success of Natural American Spirit^® additive-free cigarettes, and to RJ Reynolds’ subsequent $356 million purchase of the brand, Sicignano believes RED SUN is striking a chord with well-heeled smokers who seek super-premium brands in the specialty cigarette market.

The reception to RED SUN’s introduction at the NATO show was strong. Faced with a host of new labeling and marketing regulations, tobacco retailers embraced RED SUN’s bold marketing proposition. Through a national distribution agreement with G.A. Andron & Co., Inc., Goodrich Tobacco Company expects RED SUN distribution to increase dramatically. RED SUN is available in two king-size brand styles: "Immense Taste Satisfaction” and "Bold Cold Menthol,” both packaged in a hinge lid flip-top box. RED SUN is distributed exclusively to tobacconists, smoke shops and independent retail outlets.

Sicignano added, "We have no pretenses about the fact that RED SUN cigarettes simply taste great. We do not encourage non-smokers to start smoking – nor do we recommend that current smokers smoke more. However, we firmly believe that every adult smoker should be free to enjoy a cigarette without harassment – and without feeling vilified and guilty – as long as non-smokers are not forced to inhale secondhand smoke.”

Joseph Pandolfino, Chief Executive Officer of Goodrich Tobacco’s parent, 22nd Century Group, Inc., has created several other niche cigarette brands over his 18-year career in the industry. However, even as Pandolfino affirms adult smokers’ right to enjoy smoking, he has a keen interest in smoking cessation as well.

Mr. Pandolfino oversees X-22, 22nd Century’s prescription smoking cessation aid in development, containing very low nicotine (VLN) cigarettes made from 22nd Century’s proprietary tobacco. The therapy protocol allows the patient to smoke VLN cigarettes without restriction over a six-week treatment period to facilitate the goal of the patient quitting smoking by the end of the treatment period. Following clearance from the FDA, 22nd Century’s phase II-B clinical trial, designed to further evaluate the efficacy of VLN cigarettes for quitting smoking, is expected to commence by this June.

Independent studies, including Phase II clinical trials, have already demonstrated that VLN cigarettes made from 22nd Century’s proprietary tobacco facilitate quitting by satisfying smokers’ cravings for cigarettes while (i) greatly reducing nicotine exposure and nicotine dependence and (ii) extinguishing the association between the act of smoking and the rapid delivery of nicotine.

About 22nd Century Group, Inc.

Founded in 1998, 22nd Century Limited, LLC (22nd Century) is a plant biotechnology company whose proprietary technology allows for the level of nicotine (and other nicotinic alkaloids) in the tobacco plant to be decreased or increased through genetic engineering and breeding. The company owns or exclusively controls 98 issued patents in 79 countries where at least 75% of the world’s smokers reside. 22nd Century is committed to developing and commercializing (i) the world’s most effective and acceptable smoking cessation aid and (ii) for those smokers who refuse to quit smoking, consumer-acceptable modified risk tobacco products that reduce exposure to smoke toxins compared to conventional cigarettes. Through a merger on January 25, 2011, 22nd Century became a wholly-owned subsidiary of 22nd Century Group, Inc. Goodrich Tobacco Company is a subsidiary of 22nd Century.

For additional information, please visit: www.xxiicentury.com

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