22nd Century Launches VLN® with Major C-Store Chain, New Marketing Collateral, Continues to Expand State Authorizations

VLN^® to Commence Sales at Circle K Locations in Illinois, Now Authorized in 45 States and Counting

MOCKSVILLE, N.C., Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 22nd Century Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XXII), the only tobacco products company that has for 27 years led and continues to lead the fight against the harms of smoking driven by nicotine addiction, today announced the launch of VLN^® reduced nicotine content cigarettes at approximately 140 Circle K locations in Illinois. VLN^® cigarettes are now authorized for sale in 45 states, with 5 remaining states pending. As part of the launch, the Company also unveiled new marketing and consumer education material featuring the full suite of VLN^® combustible cigarette products.