The MGO ENDS Median: Benchmarking Your Product Against Already-Authorized Products

Answers: “MGO ENDS median benchmark PMTA authorized products”

Comparing your product to the 1R6F reference cigarette shows how it stacks up against combustion. But reviewers also want to know how it compares to products that already cleared the PMTA gate — the products with a Marketing Granted Order (MGO). That's the MGO ENDS median.

Why this second benchmark matters

• 1R6F answers "better than a cigarette?" — necessary but not sufficient.
• The MGO ENDS median answers "in line with products FDA already authorized?" — a market-anchored reference point.
• Presenting Σ ELCR both as % of 1R6F and vs. the MGO ENDS median frames your product against both the risk ceiling and the authorized field.

Pros vs. cons. Pro: dual benchmarking pre-empts the reviewer's natural comparison and positions your product against the authorized field. Con: the MGO median reflects previously authorized products and evolving standards — it's a reference, not a guaranteed pass line.

Who should NOT over-rely on it: anyone treating "below the MGO median" as automatic approval; it's context, not a decision rule.