By Timothy S. Donahue
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has appointed two seasoned agency officials to key acting leadership roles in its Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) and its tobacco inspection division.
Elizabeth Miller has been named acting associate commissioner for the Office of Inspections and Investigations, while Bret Koplow will serve as acting director of CTP, according to internal announcements obtained by media outlets.
Miller, a pharmacist by training, brings extensive experience from her tenure overseeing FDA inspections of medical products and her work within the agency’s tobacco division. Koplow, who holds both a Ph.D. and a J.D., steps into the role following the departure of Brian King, who led the CTP from July 2022 until April 2025.
The appointments come at a critical juncture for the FDA, which is under mounting pressure from lawmakers and public health advocates to strengthen its enforcement against illicit vaping products. The agency is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its foreign inspection processes to enhance compliance and safety standards.
The leadership changes reflect Commissioner Marty Makary’s commitment to bolstering the FDA’s regulatory and enforcement capabilities. In a statement, Makary emphasized the importance of experienced leadership in navigating the complex challenges facing the agency’s tobacco and inspection programs.
