Measurable Biomarkers used to evaluate Harm Reduction Potential

A new research paper is challenging a long-standing belief in the tobacco control community. For too long, potentially less harmful alternatives like e-cigarettes have been dismissed due to “lack of evidence.” Now, researchers Derek Yach and Gerhard Scherer present a promising tool that could change this narrative: biomarkers.

“The reluctance to accept less harmful nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, has always been rooted in the fear of the unknown and the desire for long-term evidence. Our research now showcases a robust method to bridge this knowledge gap sooner than previously imagined,” said Derek Yach, one of the authors of the study.

Biomarkers are measurable substances in our bodies – present in fluids, tissues, and cells. They give information about our exposure to certain compounds and potential physiological effects. The use of these biomarkers could revolutionise the way we evaluate the harm reduction potential of new generation tobacco and nicotine products (NGPs). Instead of waiting for decades to understand the long-term effects of these products, we can rely on these indicators for quicker assessments.