According to a recent announcement by Andrew C. von Eschenbach, acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, the FDA will establish a new nanotechnology task force to examine the agency’s regulatory approaches with regard to nanomaterials used in FDA-regulated products. To ensure and encourage the continued safe development of such products, the task force will identify knowledge or policy deficiencies and recommend ways to address them.

“As this exciting new area of science develops, FDA must be positioned to address both health promotion and protection challenges that it may present,” said Dr. von Eschenbach. “Through this task force, we are leveraging our expertise and resources to guide the science and technology in the development of nanotechnology-based applications.”

One of the main goals of the task force will be to improve the agency’s ability to evaluate possible adverse health effects resulting from FDA-regulated products using nanomaterials. In addition, the task force will explore opportunities to foster innovation using nanotechnology materials to develop safe and effective drugs, biologics and devices, and to develop safe foods, feeds, and cosmetics. It will continue to strengthen the relationship between the FDA and other collaborating parties, including the agencies participating in the National Nanotechnology Initiative as well as foreign government regulatory bodies, international organizations, healthcare professionals, industry, consumers, and other stakeholders, to gather information regarding nanotechnology materials used in FDA-regulated products.

Next month, the task force will chair a public meeting to further the agency’s understanding of developments in nanotechnology materials pertaining to FDA-regulated products. The meeting is scheduled for October 10. The task force will submit its findings to the FDA within nine months of the event.