U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Roundtable on PMTA Submissions for ENDS Products

The FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products convened a roundtable to walk participants through the pre‑market tobacco product application (PMTA) process for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Director Matthew Farley opened the session, emphasizing two goals: to clarify the scientific data the agency requires for an “appropriate for the protection of public health” (APPH) determination, and to solicit feedback from small manufacturers who often struggle with the complex submission requirements. Presentations covered five core areas—product characterization, manufacturing controls, pharmacological profile, adult‑benefit studies, and toxicological assessment. Speakers detailed the granular data needed for product characterization, including design specifications, a complete ingredient inventory (with nicotine source, purity, and enantiomeric composition), measured harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), and stability data across the product’s shelf life. Manufacturing controls must demonstrate consistent production, while pharmacology panels focus on abuse liability and bridging studies. Adult‑benefit evidence must show that a flavored ENDS product offers a net public‑health benefit to adult smokers, outweighing youth‑use risks. Toxicology discussions highlighted the FDA’s risk‑assessment framework for cancer and non‑cancer hazards. Commander Matthew Walters, deputy director of the Division of Product Science, illustrated common pitfalls: incomplete ingredient lists, missing nicotine source details, and insufficient method validation. He cited the use of Tobacco Product Master Files to protect proprietary formulations while providing FDA the necessary data. The FDA also stressed that analytical methods must be validated for accuracy, precision, selectivity, and sensitivity, and that any method changes require re‑validation. The roundtable’s practical guidance equips manufacturers—especially smaller firms—with a clearer roadmap to assemble a complete PMTA, potentially shortening review timelines and reducing regulatory uncertainty. By incorporating stakeholder feedback, the FDA aims to refine guidance documents and technical assistance, ultimately strengthening the evidence base that underpins public‑health protections for ENDS products.