Article published by TAMARIND INTELLIGENCE written by one of TobaccoIntelligence's international correspondents, Lorraine Mullaney, featuring Chief Research Officer, Dr. Jessica Zdinak. This article highlights key insights on leading next-generation product innovation.
Read the full article HERE:
Zdinak will be speaking about successful innovation in next-generation products at Intertabac in Germany from 19th to 21st September.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Consumer-Driven Innovation: Zdinak stresses that successful innovation should prioritize consumer needs over regulatory demands. Companies that focus on understanding consumer preferences through thorough concept testing will be better positioned to bring next-gen products to market.
Proactive Adaptation to Regulation: With regulatory changes being inevitable, Zdinak advises businesses to anticipate these shifts. For example, in light of the upcoming UK ban on disposables in 2025, companies need to develop products that can offer both convenience and satisfaction to consumers who may otherwise return to smoking.
PMTA Challenges: The lengthy and costly PMTA process poses significant obstacles for innovation. Zdinak advocates for early partnerships with regulatory experts to expedite product approvals. She also points out that the process needs to evolve to keep pace with technological advancements.
Industry Myths and Risks: Zdinak debunks the myth that regulatory authorization equals safety. She believes that the right products, even those without full authorization, could reduce public health risks.
Youth Vaping: A major industry challenge is reducing youth vaping. Zdinak argues that education, both at home and in schools, is key to curbing youth usage.
Need for Transparency and Collaboration: Zdinak emphasizes the need for transparency between the industry and regulators. However, she acknowledges the difficulties both sides face in openly communicating due to the risks of litigation and public backlash. She suggests that an independent third-party advocacy group could bridge this gap and promote faster authorization of reduced-harm products.
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