Cigibud, world's first smoking cessation filter ready for launch; will help smokers quit

Cigibud, the world's first smoking cessation filter is set to be officially launched. Cigibud has been developed by IIT alumnus Prateek Sharma.

What will Cigibud do?

Cigibud, which will be officially launched later on Wednesday, filters up to 80% of tar and nicotine from a cigarette without affecting its taste and smoking experience, and will help a smoker quit in three months.

Sharma's team carried out a study which suggested that 63% of smokers want to quit smoking but are unable to do so because of nicotine addiction.

Sharma said, “Our primary objective is to help people quit smoking through our...Cigibud variants (Lite, Ultra, Pro). But those who don't want to quit, they can at least start using Cigibud (Lite). The nanofibers of Cigibud (Lite) increase the smoothness of smoke and make it less injurious.”

Cigibud's Cost

Each packet of Cigibud contains 30 filters and it costs ₹350. One filter is advised to be used only once but people can use it up to three times because beyond that it loses its effectiveness.

Asked if the cost factor will discourage people from using it with one filter costing around ₹10 and ideally should be used once, Sharma said "We are increasing your per cigarette cost by about 50% for three months to help you eradicate smoking cost from your monthly budget".