Driving Harm Reduction Forward at GFN 2025

In June, Altria scientists joined others from across the world in Warsaw, Poland for the 2025 Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN). During the three-day long conference, Altria took the stage to discuss two critical issues that can help advance harm reduction:

• Correcting nicotine and relative risk misperceptions
• Providing adults who smoke with access to flavored smoke-free products

On Day 1 of the conference, Dr. Sarkar introduced the Delphi approach as a potential solution to correcting nicotine and relative risk misperceptions. This structured, consensus-building method engages diverse stakeholders—such as researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals—to independently assess evidence and iteratively refine shared statements. Despite a pro–harm reduction audience at GFN, the session revealed varying views, highlighting the approach’s value in fostering dialogue. While not a standalone fix, the Delphi method offers a practical tool to challenge misperceptions and encourages broader action from public health and regulatory bodies.

In another session on Day 2, Elizabeth joined a panel of experts to discuss the role of flavors in helping adults who smoke transition to smoke-free products. In her presentation, The Role of Flavor Variety in Tobacco Harm Reduction, Elizabeth presented data showing strong consumer demand for flavored products among adult tobacco users. She also shared findings from Altria’s smoke-free portfolio, illustrating how flavors support switching away from combustible cigarettes. Additionally, Elizabeth cited data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, emphasizing that reducing youth tobacco use does not require banning flavors.