Hosted by the Virginia Wholesalers & Distributors Association (VWDA) in partnership with the North Carolina Wholesalers Association (NCWA), this meeting brought together wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and policy influencers for high-impact discussion and networking. CLICK HERE for AGENDA:  https://lnkd.in/ebmwrTfi Zdinak’s keynote featured “Using science & research to survive with rapidly changing federal / state regulatory environments, consumer needs, and product

Thank you to  2FIRSTS  for the opportunity to share Chief Research Officer,  Dr. Jessica Zdinak 's perspective on the  FDA ’s recent denial of blu’s PMTA application. In this exclusive interview, she highlights why robust behavioral science data, especially Module 6 and switching evidence, remains non-negotiable for regulatory success. Too often, the industry underestimates the rigor required to demonstrate real-world switching and behavioral impact. As this case illustrates,

Join Our Team at  Applied Research and Analysis Company (ARAC) ! We are HIRING for multiple roles to advance our MISSION: To empower clients through actionable, evidence-based solutions grounded in rigorous research and science. By fostering collaboration and making informed decisions, we aim to inspire trust and deliver meaningful impact. We’re seeking passionate, skilled professionals to help us uncover insights, design evidence-based solutions, and make a measurable impact

New ARAC research shows: Flavors matter for harm reduction. In a 3-month study of 400 heavy smokers, GLAS flavored and menthol ENDS products  drove the most consistent reductions in smoking, cigarette dependence, and carbon monoxide exposure — outperforming tobacco-only options, including an FDA-authorized product. By combining traditional and person-centered analysis , our team uncovered not just the big trends, but the individual journeys  where meaningful public health cha

Thank you  Nicotine Insider  for the opportunity to collaborate on this piece written by our very own Lead Clinical Researcher,  Elizabeth DeMartini  and Clinical Research Nurse  Amanda Cox . READ HERE

In a major regulatory development,  FDA  has officially granted Marketing Granted Orders (MGOs) to five JUUL products — marking the first authorization of an ENDS product in over a year, and signaling a potential shift in how the agency evaluates harm reduction tools. To unpack the significance of this milestone,  Alan Zhao  at  2FIRSTS  sat down with ARAC’s leadership team —  Dr. Jessica Zdinak  (CEO & Chief Research Officer) and  Samuel C. Hampsher-Monk  (VP, Global Regulat

Regulatory uncertainty isn’t new — but it is manageable. With the right partner, you don’t just survive uncertainty — you leverage it. CONNECT with ARAC to move forward, smartly and strategically. Our team brings deep connections and valuable insights into the political and regulatory landscape, and our deep expertise in social, behavioral and statistical sciences helps guide you identify a compliant go-to-market strategy that works for you and your consumers. Commercial succ

🚨 Big news from  FDA ! The authorization of JUUL's tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products is not just a regulatory milestone — it’s a validation of something our team at ARAC has long championed: the critical role of SWITCHING STUDIES in demonstrating population-level benefit. As FDA noted in their press release, the law requires consideration of whether a product provides “benefits to adults who currently smoke cigarettes and completely switch to a potentially le

In this GFN Fives video, Chief Marketing Officer Allison Shumate is joined by CEO and Chief Research Officer Dr. Jessica Zdinak and VP of Global Regulatory Strategy & Client Operations Sam Hampsher-Monk for a thought-provoking conversation on person-centered research in tobacco harm reduction . Dr. Zdinak breaks down how sensory, behavioral, and consumer research rooted in the individual—not just the average consumer—drives better product development, regulatory alignment, an

In this GFN Fives video from ARAC, Dr. Jessica Zdinak sits down with Clinical Research Nurses Liz DeMartini , BSN, RN, and Amanda Cox , BSN, RN, to explore the unique and powerful role nurses play in advancing tobacco harm reduction (THR). Drawing on their backgrounds in ICU and patient-centered care, Liz and Amanda share why nursing is a natural fit for THR communication. They highlight the deep trust nurses build with patients, the importance of meeting people where they a

ARAC’s GFN Fives VIDEO is LIVE!  Global Forum on Nicotine Person-Centered Approaches to Sensory, Behavioral, & Consumer Research 🎥 WATCH PART 1 & 2 BELOW. GFN’s replacement for conference posters, #GFNFives  are five-minute recorded presentations, which cover policy, legislative and regulatory issues, consumer advocacy, regional updates and more general information about tobacco harm reduction. In this GFN Fives video, Chief Marketing Officer Allison Shumate  is joined by CE

🎉 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS of ARAC 🎉 Best-in-class service — with a POP of PINK! Born from a dream — one that began when Dr. Jessica Zdinak  was earning her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology & Statistics, envisioning a future where she could blend scientific integrity with real-world impact… and build something of her own. TEN years ago, ARAC was built on a bold idea: to create a research firm grounded in rigorous science, regulatory excellence, and a heart for tobacco harm redu