Cigarette maker Reynolds partnering with consultancy to develop anti-smoking products

Cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc. is partnering with pharmaceutical consultancy to develop products that help people stop smoking.

The agreement between the nation's second-biggest tobacco company and Pinney Associates was announced Thursday.

A unit of Reynolds American, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will partner with a Pinney affiliate to develop nicotine gum and other products. Reynolds is also currently expanding its nicotine gum, Zonnic, nationally.

Maryland-based Pinney Associates has done extensive work for GlaxoSmithKline, the leading seller of nicotine gums, patches and other products that help people stop smoking.

Its former employees include Mitch Zeller, who currently heads the Food and Drug Administration's tobacco regulatory efforts.