Court allows firm to continue e-cig sales after ‘inadequate’ FDA denial order

The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit concluded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “inadequately addressed or explained” a premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) that resulted in a marketing denial order (MDO), and decided to temporary allow a company from Texas to keep its flavoured products on the market until it resolves the case.

In a 20-page opinion, the court states that the federal agency did not properly address the marketing plan from Triton Distribution to reduce the products’ appeal to youth – something that was “a critical factor” for the FDA, according to the judges – and the evidence on the potential benefits of flavoured e-cigarettes.