Leadership Upheaval at FDA as Key Officials Depart
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing significant leadership changes, with its top tobacco regulator, Brian King, removed from his position amidst widespread staff reductions. On Tuesday, King informed colleagues via email that he had been placed on administrative leave, expressing deep disappointment over the decision. Reports suggest that he was offered reassignment to the Indian Health Service. His removal coincides with mass layoffs across the agency, including the dismissal of the entire office responsible for drafting FDA tobacco regulations.
This move follows the recent departure of Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s vaccine chief, who resigned after citing concerns about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stance on vaccines. The restructuring has left the FDA with vacancies in key leadership positions overseeing drugs, medical devices, food safety, and now FDA tobacco regulations. These changes come as Kennedy implements his plan to reduce the agency’s workforce by 3,500 employees and review regulations on ultra-processed foods, childhood vaccines, and antidepressants. The newly confirmed FDA Commissioner, Marty Makary, is set to inherit an agency grappling with the effects of layoffs and ongoing policy shifts.
Tobacco Policy Under Scrutiny Amid Regulatory Shifts
King’s tenure at the FDA, which began in 2022, was marked by significant efforts to regulate flavored e-cigarettes, a decision that drew sharp criticism from vaping companies and industry advocates. Under his leadership, the agency pushed thousands of e-cigarette brands to remove fruit and candy-flavored products from the market, contributing to a decline in teen vaping rates to a 10-year low. However, his departure leaves uncertainty about the future direction of the FDA’s tobacco regulations.
Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco-related illnesses remain the leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., claiming over 490,000 lives annually. The FDA’s approach to FDA tobacco regulations control has faced criticism from multiple stakeholders. While anti-smoking advocates and lawmakers demand stricter action against unauthorized vaping products marketed to teens, industry players argue that the agency has been too slow in approving reduced-risk alternatives for adult smokers. Under King’s leadership, the FDA denied applications for millions of flavored e-cigarettes, citing inadequate evidence that they would benefit adult smokers without attracting underage users. These decisions led to multiple legal challenges, including one recently heard by the Supreme Court.
Industry and Political Response to FDA’s Reshuffling
The removal of King and other top officials has sparked reactions across the political and business spectrum. The Vapor Technology Association has been lobbying for former President Donald Trump to fulfill his campaign promise to protect the flavored vaping industry. Meanwhile, major tobacco companies such as R.J. Reynolds and Altria have seen some of their e-cigarette brands approved for adult use.
In addition to King, other recent high-profile exits from the FDA include Jim Jones, the former deputy commissioner for food safety, and Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, the head of the drug center. Further resignations include Dr. Namandje Bumpus, the agency’s second-ranking official, and longtime medical devices director Dr. Jeffrey Shuren. The series of departures leaves many top FDA positions vacant, raising concerns about the agency’s ability to maintain regulatory oversight during a time of significant internal disruption.
