A UK business that makes products to treat lung problems might end up in the hands of one of the world's largest cigarette manufacturers, prompting health organisations to call on the British government to oppose the deal.
The tobacco firm that created the Marlboro man has stirred uproar in medical circles with a move to invest in a business that develops inhaler technology, potentially allowing it to profit from the smoking-related lung ailments it helped create.
Philip Morris International is in the process of acquiring Vectura, a UK company that specialises in lung disease inhaler technology.
Experts in Australia warn it could jeopardise studies and compel doctors to rethink how they treat some lung disease patients.
There are also fears that the agreement may place Australia in violation of a worldwide convention.
The deal would boost the tobacco giant's ambition to generate more than half of its net revenue from smoke-free products such as e-cigarettes and respiratory drugs within four years, up from about a quarter today.
For firms like Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline, Vectura has produced 13 inhaled medicines to treat respiratory disorders like asthma.
It is presently collaborating with Inspira Pharmaceuticals, another UK firm, on an inhalation therapy for COVID-19.
(With inputs from agencies)