Dr. Jessica Zdinak, Senior Research Officer of ARAC, Delivered Keynote at 2Firsts Compliance Symposium

Jan.16.2025
Dr. Jessica Zdinak, Senior Research Officer of ARAC, Delivered Keynote at 2Firsts Compliance Symposium
2025 Global NGP Compliance Development Symposium in Shenzhen concludes successfully, emphasizing industry's adaptation to evolving regulations.

On January 9, 2025, the 2025 Global NGP Compliance Development Symposium, organized by 2Firsts, concluded successfully in Shenzhen. The seminar aimed to promote global compliance development and advocate for companies to actively embrace the new era of compliance. More than 10 renowned compliance industry experts and representatives from China and around the world delivered keynote speeches through a combination of online and offline formats, attracting nearly 200 participants from various sectors, including international tobacco companies, top Chinese e-cigarette companies, leading supply chain companies, and researchers. The conference was organized by the global leading NGP industry media —2Firsts.

 

Dr. Jessica Zdinak, Senior Research Officer of ARAC, Delivered Keynote at 2Firsts Compliance Symposium
Dr. Jessica Zdinak speaking at the event | Image source: 2

 

Dr. Jessica Zdinak, Chief Research Officer of Applied Research and Analysis Company LLC (ARAC), attended the seminar and delivered an online presentation on the topic "Challenges and Consideration Factors for Enterprises Applying for PMTA in 2025."

 

Dr. Jessica Zdinak, Senior Research Officer of ARAC, Delivered Keynote at 2Firsts Compliance Symposium
Dr. Jessica Zdinak Speech | Image Source: 2Firsts

 

In her speech, Dr. Jessica Zdinak delved into the development trajectory and future trends of the American tobacco products market, particularly emphasizing the FDA's core regulation of "protecting public health." She reviewed key turning points in the market from the dominance of combustible cigarettes to the enactment of the Tobacco Control Act, the implementation of the PMTA process, and pointed out that many manufacturers often encounter the dilemma of long delays and slow review progress after submitting PMTA scientific research and applications, resulting in application periods ranging from five to seven years.

 

Dr. Jessica Zdinak also analyzed the shortcomings of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), a newly established federal agency, in terms of infrastructure development and experience accumulation from 2022 to 2024, as well as the chaotic review situation that arose after receiving a large number of applications. Looking ahead to 2025, under the leadership of a Republican-dominated administration, she expects the FDA to significantly improve the efficiency of reviewing PMTA applications and increase efforts to crack down on overseas products entering the market without authorization.

 

At the 2025 Global New Year Symposium on the Development of New Tobacco Regulations, Dr. Jessica Zdinak's professional speech received widespread praise and enthusiastic response from attendees. After the speech, many participants expressed that the information helped them gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory dynamics of the American tobacco product market, the complex process of PMTA applications, and future development trends, providing guidance for strategic planning and compliance layout for businesses. At the same time, attendees also expressed sincere gratitude to the organizers of the event. They believed that the organizers had created a high-quality compliance communication platform, greatly promoting communication and interaction among various parties in the industry, and effectively driving the industry's stable development on the compliance path.

 

As a leading media and think tank in the field of Next Generation Products (NGP) globally, 2Firsts actively maintains close communication with various testing and regulatory agencies, building a strong bridge for industry resource sharing and information exchange. In the future, 2Firsts will continue to integrate resources and consolidate wisdom, working hand in hand with industry partners to promote the high-quality development of the global NGP industry, and contribute lasting strength to the industry's innovation breakthroughs and compliant advancement.

 


 

Regarding ARAC 

 

Applied Research and Analysis Company (ARAC) is a leading U.S. based behavioral science research firm that designs, executes, and presents scientifically-sound, yet customizable studies to support manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and industry consultants. Their expertise includes consumer-focused research services in product development and innovation and regulatory science supporting marketing authorization applications, with SUCCESS in U.S. product authorizations and applications.

 

ARAC specializes in MODULE 5 & 6 studies including: label/claim development and comprehension, human factors/usability testing, and clinical/behavioral studies, such as randomized experimental longitudinal, actual use, TPPI, and post-market surveillance systems.

 

“Most Outstanding Service to Industry” 2024 Golden Leaf award-winning fully staffed IN-HOUSE psychologists, behavioral scientists, statisticians, survey methodologist, and medical monitoring offering tailored research solutions with unparalleled integrity and an exceptional client experience.

 

For more infornation, click HERE to watch the presentation replay.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

WIRED Investigation: Chinese-Made Vapes Turn to 6-Methyl-Nicotine and Other Analogs, Challenging U.S. Regulation
WIRED Investigation: Chinese-Made Vapes Turn to 6-Methyl-Nicotine and Other Analogs, Challenging U.S. Regulation
U.S. technology and investigative publication WIRED has examined how nicotine analogs are emerging as a new challenge for the country’s vape regulatory framework. The article argues that after the U.S. expanded federal oversight of nicotine products in 2022, some manufacturers began using nicotine-like compounds such as 6-methyl-nicotine that may fall outside existing definitions. Researchers cited by WIRED said some nicotine analogs could be more potent than traditional nicotine, although human health impacts remain unclear. U.S. policymakers are considering broader definitions of nicotine to bring these compounds under federal oversight.
Jul.27
Maine Approves Vape Stewardship Bill Requiring Producers to Manage End-of-Life Devices
Maine Approves Vape Stewardship Bill Requiring Producers to Manage End-of-Life Devices
The Maine Legislature has passed LD 1519, a bill that would establish a producer-funded stewardship program for electronic smoking devices, requiring manufacturers and importers to manage the collection, transportation, recycling and disposal of end-of-life products, particularly disposable vapes containing lithium-ion batteries.
Jun.12
Exclusive: China Tobacco Launches Locally Made MODEN FREE Nicotine Pouches in Indonesia
Exclusive: China Tobacco Launches Locally Made MODEN FREE Nicotine Pouches in Indonesia
2Firsts exclusively reports that China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial has launched MODEN FREE nicotine pouches in Indonesia. The locally manufactured product is sold through Sixhill, a next-generation tobacco channel under CFU Group, at about $1.80 per 18-pouch can. The launch moves China Tobacco’s nicotine pouch activity beyond trade-show displays and testing into local production and public retail.
Jul.16
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
UK Councils Seize More Than 1.3 Million Non-Compliant Vapes One Year After Disposable Ban
One year after the UK disposable vape ban came into force, local authorities continue to seize illegal and non-compliant vaping products. FOI data compiled by nicotine retailer Northerner shows more than 1.3 million products were seized between June 2025 and May 2026, with Bolton recording the highest number of seizures and Swansea reporting the highest estimated value.
Jul.21
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
2Firsts Interview | InterTabac 2026 Adapts to a More Complex Tobacco and Nicotine Market
As InterTabac 2026 approaches, Sabine Loos, Managing Director of Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, tells 2Firsts that global tobacco trade fairs are evolving beyond product display. With new nicotine categories, shifting regulation and more complex supply chains reshaping the industry, InterTabac is positioning itself as a platform for market insight, regulatory discussion and global business connection.
Special Report
Jul.02
Sesh touts independence, 8VC backing and retail reach as it challenges tobacco-owned pouch brands
Sesh touts independence, 8VC backing and retail reach as it challenges tobacco-owned pouch brands
U.S. nicotine pouch brand Sesh has emphasized its independence from Altria, Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco, along with backing from investors including 8VC, celebrity supporters and a retail footprint of more than 7,500 stores, as it seeks to differentiate itself in a market where major pouch brands are owned by large tobacco companies.
Regulations
Jul.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives