FDA Appoints Bret Koplow as Acting Director of CTP

May.21

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website, Bret Koplow has been appointed acting director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). Koplow has been with the FDA since 2011, holding several key roles, most recently serving as senior advisor to the FDA Commissioner.

On May 20, according to the official website of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Bret Koplow has been appointed as the Acting Director of the Center for Tobacco Products.

美国FDA任命Bret Koplow为烟草制品中心代理主任 — Leadership information on the CTP official website｜Image source: CTP

Resume information indicates that Dr. Brett Koplow was appointed as Acting Director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) at the Food and Drug Administration in May 2025. In this role, Dr. Coplow is responsible for ensuring that the CTP achieves its public health goals and puts into practice the center's vision and mission in implementing the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

According to Bloomberg, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated in an internal email that senior FDA official Bret Koplow will temporarily assume the position.

According to Koplow' s LinkedIn page, he has been working at the FDA since 2011. Within the agency, he has held various positions, most recently serving as a senior advisor to the FDA Commissioner.

In April, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the leadership of Robert Kennedy Jr., carried out a large-scale layoff, resulting in the dismissal of Brian King, who was the Director of the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) at the time. In May, The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids announced on its official website that Brian King had been appointed as the Executive Vice President for the U.S. program, tasked with leading the organization's efforts at the federal, state, and local levels.

References:

[1] 领英网信息

[2] FDA CTP信息

[3] FDA Names Acting Leaders for Inspections, Tobacco Regulation

Also Read:

[1] Former Head of FDA’s Tobacco Center, Brian King, Joins the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

[2] High-Level Changes and Layoffs at FDA Spark Controversy

[3] FDA CTP Director Brian King: New Guidelines on Fines to be Released This Summer

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split

The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.

Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine

South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.

Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Launches New ZYN Nicotine Pouch in the Philippines, Available Simultaneously at IQOS Stores and on the Official Website

PMI’s Philippine affiliate, PMFTC, has launched the new ZYN Bright Green 1.5 mg nicotine pouch in Manila with refreshed packaging, calling it the latest step in the company’s “smoke-free” transition initiated in 2016. The product will be available starting in November at IQOS stores across Metro Manila and on the official website.

Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK police seize over 30,000 illegal e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products in large-scale raid in Warrington

Over 30,000 illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products were seized in a large-scale operation by Warrington police on Thursday.