FDA Plans Fall Nanotechnology Meeting

The US Food and Drug Administration (Rockville, MD, www.fda.gov) will hold a public meeting in the fall of this year to gather information about current developments in the uses of nanotechnology materials in FDA-regulated products.

Nanometer-sized materials are known to possess physical or chemical properties that are different than those of larger-sized particles, including differences in magnetic properties, electrical or optical activity, and structural integrity. Nanotechnology's potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry include the development of new drug formulations and delivery.

FDA aims to further its understanding of nanotechnology development and to hear about new nanotechnology-based products, including color additives, drugs, and biologics. The meeting also will discuss scientific issues related to the development of these products relevant to their regulation and whether there are opportunities for the agency to address hurdles that may be inhibiting the use of nanotechnology in product development.

Although FDA is not accepting registrations at this time, those who are interested in attending or presenting at the meeting are encouraged to contact Poppy Kendall at poppy.kendall@fda.hhs.gov, tel. 301.827.3360. Based on the level of response, FDA will obtain a venue and structure the meeting to accommodate the audience. Details will be provided in a future Federal Register, and updates will be posted at www.fda.gov/nanotechnology.