BOTEC Analysis
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BOTEC Analysis, Tobacco Tactics, updated 02 November 2023, accessed 12 April 2024.
Background
BOTEC Analysis is a research and consultancy firm based in the US, which works on nicotine and tobacco harm reduction, cannabis, drug policy, transportation and community corrections.1 Its website states that “BOTEC combines the capabilities of a consultancy and a think tank, resulting in service that is nimble and responsive but also grounded in evidence and ethical accountability”.2
BOTEC Analysis has received funding from Philip Morris International (PMI) and the Foundation for a Smoke Free World (FSFW).
People
Samuel Hampsher-Monk has been the Managing Director of BOTEC Analysis since 2017.34 BOTEC Analysis has developed its tobacco harm reduction work since he took on this role.5
A list of other current employees can be found on the BOTEC Analysis website.
Relationship with the Tobacco Industry
Funded by the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World
BOTEC Analysis has received funding from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) since 2019.
In 2019, It received a grant of US$299,767 to “Investigate the drivers of smoking cessation in five countries with alternative nicotine delivery device markets”.6
In 2021, it received a further two grants totalling US$401,349 to “Further develop the drivers of smoking cessation in five countries with legalized alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS) through a series of additional journal articles, econometric studies, and a full-length book on optimal nicotine regulation” and “Conduct an investigation and analysis and develop recommendations regarding the (i) literature addressing the relationship between COVID-19 and tobacco and nicotine products; (ii) the impact of various tobacco/nicotine related COVID restrictions around the world on smoking and alternative nicotine delivery system (ANDS) use”.7
In 2022 BOTEC received its largest grants to date, two grants totalling US$937,023 to “Investigate the drivers for smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction in five countries with alternative nicotine delivery systems markets” and “Develop journal articles, econometric studies, and a full-length book regarding the drivers of smoking cessation in five countries with legalized alternative nicotine delivery systems”.8
PMI IMPACT grant
BOTEC analysis received a grant from PMI through its PMI IMPACT initiative in 2017 to conduct research on the “Impact of e-cigarette regulation on illegal trade in tobacco products in the European Union”.9
As part of this project, a paper found that “the more available e-cigarettes become, the less ITTP [illicit trade in tobacco products] market share rises in response to tax-driven price increases for conventional cigarettes”,10 an argument beneficial to PMI’s business strategy of pushing heated tobacco products, not as an alternative but a supplement to its cigarette business.
For more information see List of Successful PMI IMPACT Applicants.
Other activities
Hampsher-Monk and Jamer Prieger, Senior Researcher at BOTEC Analysis,3 are listed as co-authors of a book due to be published in 2024 titled ‘Clearing the Air on E-Cigarettes and Harm Reduction, Volume I: Tobacco Regulation, Economics, and Public Health’.11 The other co-author is Sudhanshu Patwardhan, Medical Director of the Centre for Health Research and Education (CHRE).
Hampsher-Monk was listed as a speaker at the 2023 ‘New Approaches’ conference, held at the Harvard Club of New York City, in the same week as the United Nations General Assembly.5 For more details see Healthy Initiatives (a FSFW grantee).
Relevant Link
- BOTEC Analysis website
TobaccoTactics Pages
