Vectura shareholders urged to reject Philip Morris takeover

Health experts, medics and charities warn 1.1bn tobacco firm deal could cost inhaler maker access to government grants

Shareholders in the asthma inhaler maker Vectura have been urged to reject a 1.1bn takeover by the tobacco company Philip Morris International (PMI), in an open letter signed by 35 health charities, public health experts and doctors from around the world.

Investors in the Wiltshire-based respiratory medicine specialist have until 15 September to decide whether to sell their shares to PMI, which has touted its ambitions for a smoke-free" future but still derives 75% of its revenue from cigarettes.