The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has filled several senior leadership positions, giving the agency new permanent leaders for drug regulation, vaccines, tobacco products and technology as it works through a period of major internal change.

FDA Fills Key Health Leadership Posts

The Department of Health and Human Services announced permanent appointments for several positions on September 8. Michael Davis was named director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, while Karim Mikhail was appointed to lead the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, which oversees vaccines and other biologic products.

Bret Koplow was also named director of the Center for Tobacco Products after serving in an acting capacity.

New AI and Technology Role Created

The FDA also appointed Jared Seehafer as its first deputy commissioner for technology and artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of AI and digital technologies across drug development, medical products and regulatory operations.

The leadership changes come after months of disruption at the agency, including the departure of more than 3,000 staff members over the past year. The appointments are intended to provide greater stability as the FDA continues overseeing medicines, vaccines and other health products.

For the U.S. healthcare sector, the new leadership could influence drug approvals, vaccine regulation, medical innovation and the FDA’s approach to artificial intelligence in the years ahead.