Interview with Dr Marina Murphy, Head of Scientific Affairs at Haypp Group

• Role: Head of Scientific Affairs 
• Previous Experience: PhD in Electrochemistry, Science Journalism, Scientific Engagement in the nicotine and tobacco harm reduction sector 
• Time at Haypp: around 1 year 
• Fun Fact: Used to be an Irish dancing champion! 

“I trained as a chemist and completed a PhD in electrochemistry before pursuing a master’s degree in science communication. I worked as a science journalist for about eight years before moving into the tobacco and nicotine sector, joining British American Tobacco at a time when they were beginning to focus on tobacco harm reduction. 

I was the first science communications professional they brought in, and I worked across press, legal, regulatory affairs, and R&D. From there, I moved to Juul Labs, where I focused on scientific engagement, and later worked with a Middle Eastern company that combined manufacturing and distribution. Eventually, I joined Haypp, an e-commerce platform with a focus on nicotine and reduced-risk products. Throughout my career, the common thread has been working at the intersection of science, communication, and harm reduction.” 

“Regulation is central to everything we do. It ensures that products are marketed responsibly and that consumers are protected. But at the same time, I would like to see regulation that facilitates innovation and supports smokers in switching to less harmful products if they choose to do so. 

Overly restrictive approaches—like prohibitions or bans—don’t work. They punish legitimate companies while those already breaking the rules will simply continue. Smart regulation should support smokers in transitioning, while making sure products are not accessible to youth.” 

“Responsible manufacturers take product testing seriously because it’s about safety, quality, and compliance. Testing typically looks at toxicology, product performance, and overall quality assurance to ensure consistency. For example, manufacturers want to be certain that the materials used are safe, the product meets regulatory requirements, and that it performs as intended. 

At Haypp, we apply this same standard to the nicotine pouches we offer. Every pouch we sell is tested to make sure the nicotine content is within appropriate levels, the pH is correct, and that no unwanted substances are present.” 

“The biggest one is that nicotine itself is responsible for the health risks of smoking. That simply isn’t true. The real harm comes from combustion—the burning of tobacco, which creates thousands of toxic chemicals. 

Nicotine is a much-maligned molecule because it has been conflated with smoking. But the science is clear: it’s the smoke, not the nicotine, that causes the majority of health issues. That’s why it’s so important that people who want to use nicotine have access to non-combustible options.” 

“I would like to see greater emphasis on regulation that recognises harm reduction— regulation that helps make safer nicotine products available and accessible to adult smokers. Regulations that encourage innovation, enforce age restrictions, and create a competitive portfolio of alternatives to cigarettes would make the biggest public health impact. 

In addition, the language around nicotine and harm reduction is heavily regulated, sometimes to the point where it limits public understanding. 

The other obstacle is prohibition. Bans don’t eliminate demand, they just drive people toward unregulated and potentially unsafe products. The best way forward is to give adult smokers viable, attractive alternatives.” 

"For most of human history, nicotine use has been linked to burning tobacco—whether in a cigarette, a cigar, or a pipe. But combustion creates the toxic compounds that are harmful to health. “Nicotine without smoke” simply means using nicotine in a cleaner way—through products that don’t involve burning anything. 

That’s where the future lies: giving people options to consume nicotine without the harms of smoke."