July 29, 2021
FDA’s NCTR Highlights Its Nanotechnology-Related Activities in 2020
The January 29, 2021, issue of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) NCTR Research Highlights includes an item highlighting the National Center for Toxicological Research’s (NCTR) nanotechnology-related activities in 2020. The activities include:
- Nanotechnology Standards: Two work items developed by the NCTR Nanotechnology Core Facility (Nanocore) staff became standards in February 2019 and January 2020 (Standard Practice for Performing Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy of Liposomes and Standard Test Method for Quantitative Measurement of the Chemoattractant Capacity of a Nanoparticulate Material in vitro, respectively) and are available through ASTM International. Seven additional work items developed by the NCTR Nanocore scientists are going through the consensus-standard process at ASTM International E56 for quality assurance and testing for biocompatibility;
- Nanotechnology Task Force Report: The Nanotechnology Task Force (NTF) published a comprehensive progress report, Nanotechnology — Over a Decade of Progress and Innovation, in July 2020. The report highlights the current state of science in nanotechnology and the progress at FDA in research, infrastructure, guidance, standards, interagency engagement, and international engagement;
- FDA Grand Rounds: The FDA Grand Rounds seminar, “Nanotechnology: Over a Decade of Progress and Innovation at FDA,” was presented by Anil Patri, Ph.D., Nanocore Director, on August 13, 2020. The seminar highlighted NTF’s July 2020 report on the progress FDA has made in nanotechnology since 2007. Also discussed were the basics of nanotechnology, FDA facilities overview, regulatory science research at FDA, guidance documents, standards, domestic and international collaborations, and emerging challenges in regulatory science; and
- Nano Day: FDA’s Nano Day Virtual Research Symposium: “A Decade of Progress and Innovation in Nanotechnology at U.S. FDA,” was organized by NCTR and hosted by NTF on October 9, 2020. The 3.5-hour virtual event drew more than 300 participants from around the globe and highlighted NTF’s July 2020 report and regulatory science research conducted at FDA. Additionally, a virtual tour of FDA’s nanotechnology facilities was provided. More than 20 speakers gave presentations that highlighted the collaborative efforts within FDA, other government agencies, and academia and demonstrated the expertise and strength within FDA to promote and protect public health. A list of the 20-plus speakers is available in the agenda, and presentations can be viewed in the recorded symposium. Read more about nanotechnology at FDA, nanotechnology at NCTR, or contact Dr. Patri, for additional information.