The FDA has authorized marketing of two vaping devices and tobacco-flavored refills made by Logic Technology Development LLC, the vape product arm of Japan Tobacco International (JTI). These are the only vaping products authorized by the agency since Vuse Solo became the first in October 2021—more than five months ago.
The FDA gave nods to the Logic Power and Logic Pro, and tobacco-flavored refills for both. Premarket Tobacco Applications (PMTAs) for both devices’ menthol refills remain under FDA review, as have nearly all menthol applications submitted to the agency. Logic submitted PMTAs for the Power and Pro devices and refills in 2019. They were among the earliest submissions—more than a year before the Sept. 9, 2020 PMTA submission deadline.
Logic received Marketing Denial Orders (MDOs) for other flavored refills, according to the FDA. Since those flavors are not currently being marketed, they are not included on the FDA’s PMTA lists. According to Filter’s Alex Norcia, Logic said it is “reviewing the FDA’s determination and rationale before taking further action.”
Dozens of smaller vaping companies have challenged MDOs for non-tobacco flavors in court, but so far none of the tobacco companies or tobacco-associated vaping companies that submitted PMTAs have taken action to protect flavored products receiving marketing denials.
Also today, the FDA authorized sale of the Logic Vapeleaf heated tobacco product (HTP) and unflavored tobacco refill capsules for the device. The Vapeleaf is the only FDA-authorized HTP other than Philip Morris International’s IQOS, which is currently not being sold in the U.S. because of a patent dispute.
The Vapeleaf is sold in other countries under JTI’s PLOOM TECH brand. PLOOM is based on technology JTI bought from the company now known as PAX Labs, which was spun off from Juul Labs in 2017. The original PAX product was also sold under the Ploom name.
The Logic Power is a rechargeable cigalike-style device with traditional screw-in cartomizer refills. The Logic Pro is a vape pen with drop-in sealed capsules that hold 1.5 mL of e-liquid. Vaping360’s 2019 review found the Logic Pro to be a solid choice for a no-frills eGo-style vape pen.
Neither the Logic products authorized today nor the Vuse Solo own a substantial share of the U.S. vaping market. The most popular mass-market vape products, like the JUUL and Vuse Alto pod-style vapes, remain under FDA review.
In a statement announcing the FDA actions, new Commissioner Robert Califf repeated the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids talking point that “millions of youth are using these products and getting addicted to nicotine,” and endorsed the FDA Center for Tobacco Products’ surprise 2021 decision to authorize only tobacco flavors unless manufacturers produce extraordinary evidence that flavored products will not attract youth use.
Smokers created vaping without any help from the tobacco industry or anti-smoking crusaders, and vapers have the right to keep innovating to help themselves. My goal is to provide clear, honest information about the challenges vaping faces from lawmakers, regulators, and brokers of disinformation. I recently joined the CASAA board, but my opinions aren’t necessarily CASAA’s, and vice versa. You can find me on Twitter @whycherrywhy
