FDA nanotech public meeting
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
In reviewing findings of FDA's nanotechnology task force that prompted Sept. 8 public meeting, FDA's Richard A. Canady, Ph.D., Office of the Commissioner, stressed that since "nanotechnology and its application within new products is an emerging technology ... we're really looking forward to your input." Agency will have to wait, as Personal Care Products Council revealed it is still preparing its comments for Oct. 24 deadline set by FDA, which seeks information on nanoscale materials in order to develop industry guidance. During cosmetics-specific breakout session, FDA's five questions for manufacturers - including "What characteristics or types of nanoscale materials would be important to specify when considering potential risks of cosmetic products?" and "What, if any, additional studies are done for a product containing nanoscale particles to prove that this type of formulation is safe?" - received no feedback (1"The Rose Sheet" Aug. 25, 2008, p. 8). In absence of "clear, transparent regulatory pathway," Canady encouraged companies developing nanotechnology-based products to consult with the agency early on. "It may be important to come in and interact for example with our Office of Combination Products to consider pathways that might work best for evaluation of the product," he said