FDA Nanotechnology Task Force Will Host A Public Meeting Oct. 10
This article was originally published in The Pink Sheet Daily
Executive Summary
New task force will identify policy gaps to evaluate adverse health effects from products made with nanotechnology materials.
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FDA's Nanotechnology Task Force will identify policy gaps related to the use of nanotechnology particles to evaluate possible adverse health effects from products that contain the materials, the agency said. Acting Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach announced the formation of an internal FDA Nanotechnology Task Force Aug. 9. The group is charged with developing regulatory approaches to encourage continued development of innovative drugs, biologics and devices made with nanotechnology materials, FDA said. "As this exciting new area of science develops, FDA must be positioned to address both health promotion and protection challenges that it may present," the agency said in a statement. The Nanotechnology Task Force will chair a public meeting Oct. 10 in Bethesda, Md. to further its understanding of developments in nanotechnology, particularly biological interactions that could result in beneficial or adverse health effects. Other work will include assessing the current state of scientific knowledge around nanotechnology, as well as evaluating "the effectiveness of the agency's regulatory approaches and authorities to meet any unique challenge that may be presented by the use of nanotechnology materials in FDA-regulated products." The task force also will be responsible for building collaborative relationships with other federal agencies, including those participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative such as the National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as with international organizations and other stakeholders, FDA said. The group will submit initial findings and recommendations to von Eschenbach within nine months following the Oct. 10 meeting. "FDA will continue to address product-specific nanotechnology-related issues on an ongoing basis," the agency added. A nanometer is a billionth of a meter, a size range that can have chemical or physical properties different from larger counterparts. As a result, nano particles offer great potential, but also pose safety issues, FDA noted. The safety of nanotechnology is an issue of growing debate. A report issued by the Woodrow Wilson International Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies Jan. 11 called for legislation to establish a regulatory framework for nanotechnology products (1 (Also see "New Law Needed To Create Nanotechnology Regulatory Framework – Wilson Center Report" - Pink Sheet, 17 Jan, 2006.)). Last fall, the House Science Committee urged government to step up funding on nanotech safety research and establish clear safety regulations (2 (Also see "Nanotechnology Needs Clear Safety And Regulatory Guidelines, House Cmte. Is Told" - Pink Sheet, 21 Nov, 2005.)). -Brooke McManus |