Lloyd Gilbert Millstein

Lloyd Gilbert Millstein, PhD, 93 Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
Lloyd Gilbert Millstein, PhD, a respected pharmaceutical research scientist and former FDA official, passed away on May 24, 2025, in Chesapeake, VA, at the age of 93.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, on January 2, 1932, he was the youngest child of Jean and Max Millstein. After his mother's passing, he was raised by his stepmother, Sarah Savin. He was predeceased by his siblings, George and Pearl.
Dr. Millstein graduated from New York University in 1953 with a degree in biology and chemistry. That same year, he married Joan Marsha Sanders, a Brooklyn College graduate. Soon after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and stationed at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, where he worked in a technical unit conducting research. Following his service, he began his career at the Squibb Institute for Medical Research.
He went on to earn an MS in biological sciences and a PhD in physiology and biochemistry from Rutgers University in 1964. During this time, he and Joan welcomed two sons: Mark, now a professor of Animation and Game Arts at UMass Dartmouth, and Jeff, who earned a PhD in entomology from Washington State University and later became a technical consultant in the scientific software industry.
Dr. Millstein's expertise in pharmaceutical research led him to transition into regulatory affairs after a decade at Squibb-first at SmithKline & French in Philadelphia, then at McNeil Laboratories, a Johnson & Johnson division, in the early 1970s, where he helped establish and lead its regulatory unit. His work brought him into close collaboration with the FDA, which he eventually joined.
At the FDA headquarters in Rockville, MD, Dr. Millstein ultimately served as Director of Prescription Drug Advertising and Labeling Review. From 1977 to 1986, he played a key role in shaping national policy during a period of rapid expansion in drug marketing.
He became widely known as a respected authority on pharmaceutical advertising regulations through his lectures and publications. He later joined Burroughs Wellcome in Research Triangle Park, NC, overseeing new product development and advertising compliance. In 1995, he left industry and became a consultant and guest lecturer at the UNC School of Pharmacy, Duke University School of Nursing, and Campbell University.
In retirement, Dr. Millstein volunteered at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh and read for the North Carolina Reading Service, which provides audio programming for the blind. He worked with NCRS for more than a decade.
He was predeceased by Joan, his beloved wife of 55 years, in 2008. In 2018, he moved to Chesapeake, VA, to be closer to family and spent his final years at Commonwealth Senior Living at Cedar Manor.
In accordance with his wishes, Dr. Millstein was cremated and will be interred with Joan.
No public service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the North Carolina Museum of Art, UNC Rex Hospital, or the North Carolina Reading Service. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lloyd, please visit our floral store.