Mark McQuillan, Nicobrand

Thomas Schmid interviews Mark McQuillan, the managing director of Nicobrand, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical-grade nicotine suppliers. McQuillan explains what truly qualifies nicotine as "pharmaceutical grade." For instance, beyond basic monographs, it requires regulatory audits, drug master files, and strict impurity controls. McQuillan argues that all next-generation products like pouches and e-liquids should use pharma-grade nicotine to ensure consumer safety. The global nicotine market is roughly 1,000–1,500 metric tons annually, with nicotine pouches growing fastest. McQuillan also stresses the importance of supply chain transparency and correcting the widespread misconception that nicotine itself causes cancer.