2025 New Approaches Conference

This past Monday was a full day of learning, connecting, and exchanging perspectives on the future of tobacco harm reduction, innovation, and public health at the New Approaches Conference.

AGENDA HERE: https://lnkd.in/eXMu_XH6

While approaches differ, one constant theme was clear: collaboration across science, industry, public health, and policy is essential if we are truly going to accelerate progress and reduce the harms of smoking.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS from our Lead Clinical Researcher, Elizabeth DeMartini:

• New Regulatory & Trade Paradigms

Mark Tyndall reminded us that harm reduction works because ultimately, it is central to human behavior that people will continue engaging in activities from which they receive pleasure or derive subjective matter, so it is a both a health and an ethical responsibility to promote safer alternatives to the most harmful of these behaviors, such as smoking.

Great to hear insights from Agustin Rodriguez and fellow panelists on how rising trade protectionism, tariffs, and IP enforcement are reshaping global supply chains in the nicotine and harm reduction space. His perspective underscored how regulatory and trade dynamics are not just background issues, but critical forces shaping innovation and access in harm reduction.

• Evidence-Based Solutions to End Smoking

Inspiring to hear about the UK’s bold experiments, including free vapes for one million smokers and the experiments’ strong outcomes among pregnant women offered alternatives.

The FDA’s AI initiative (ELSA) is still a work in progress — powerful as a tool, but not a replacement for scientific review. Presented by Rachael Schmidt, Derek Yach, and Raymond Niaura emphasized the gaps that remain in the global attempt to end smoking - Including misinformation in the media, and limited provider education.

• Big Announcement: Accelerate to Zero

Jeffrey Willett launched ACCELERATE TO ZERO with a mission to end cigarette smoking in the U.S. by 2040. The initiative will unite science, policy, and communication to equip stakeholders with evidence-based strategies.

• Innovations in Oral Nicotine & Beyond

Enjoyed Kellsi Booth’s engaging session on how Black Buffalo Inc. is honoring MST’s heritage with no-compromise products. This is a brand worth watching!

From child-resistant pouch designs (SkyX Group) to dissolvable oral nicotine (Zolv), the category continues to evolve with consumer needs and safety in mind.

Ricky Lee showcased MSTR’s nicotine mouth spray innovation with a child-resistant device, adding new perspective to oral solutions.

Conversations revealed both excitement and tension, especially around consumer research and FDA’s pilot for pouches — reinforcing that switching studies remain essential until clearer regulatory guidance emerges.

Panels brought together diverse voices (Alexander Häggqvist, Katherine Ilkhani, Ricky Lee, Azim Chowdhury) discussing how to balance innovation, consumer insights, and youth access prevention.