Trump administration confirms permanent leaders for FDA drug, biologics, tobacco and AI units
Four acting officials at the FDA were officially appointed to permanent positions, including directors for drug, biologics and tobacco centers, plus a new deputy for technology and AI.
In a move to solidify leadership, the Trump administration confirmed permanent appointments for four key FDA roles. Psychiatrist Michael Davis will become director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, while former Merck executive Karim Mikhail will head the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Attorney Bret Koplow, an FDA employee since 2011, will take over as director of the Center for Tobacco Products.
The agency also created a new position, appointing Jared Seehafer as its first Deputy Commissioner for Technology and Artificial Intelligence; he entered the FDA in 2025 after founding a life-science software company and advising biotech investors. These appointments follow a nomination of Heidi Overton to lead the agency last month and reflect the administration's push to integrate AI into regulatory reviews.
Why it matters
Permanent FDA leadership can shape drug, biologics and tobacco regulation and accelerate AI-driven review processes.
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