An internal nanotechnology task force has been formed by the FDA, says acting commissioner, Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. The new task force is charged with determining regulatory approaches that encourage the continued development of innovative, safe, and effective FDA-regulated products that use nanotechnology materials.
Specifically, the task force will:
• chair a public meeting on October 10, 2006 to understand developments in nanotechnology as they pertain to FDA-regulated products,
• evaluate the effectiveness of the agency’s regulatory approaches and meet any unique challenges presented by nanotechnology,
• explore the opportunities to foster innovation using nanotechnology,
• strengthen collaborative efforts with other federal agencies involved in the Nanotechnology Initiative and foreign government regulatory bodies, industry, and consumers, and
• consider appropriate vehicles for communication with the public about the use of nanotechnology in FDA-regulated products.
The task force is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the acting commissioner by July 2007.
