National Toxicology Program

[Federal Register: February 1, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 20)]
[Notices]
[Page 4874])

National Toxicology Program Special Emphasis Panel

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), the Director, National Toxicology Program (NTP), announces the establishment of the National Toxicology Program Special Emphasis Panel (NTPSEP) by the Secretary, DHHS.

The NTP Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (Center), on an as needed basis, will convene a group of expert scientists to accomplish the independent peer review of new test methods or evaluate existing test methods for toxicological assessments. Peer review panels will be asked to develop scientific consensus on the usefulness of test methods to generate information for specific human health and/or ecological risk assessment purposes. They will address the biological relevance of the new test to the toxicity of interest, and address how and when the new test method can partially or fully replace existing methods or approaches. When appropriate, panels will be asked to identify additional validation studies necessary to adequately evaluate a method, and to identify additional research necessary to support the development of mechanism-based test methods. It is anticipated that expert review panels will also be convened to evaluate the adequacy of current methods, and to evaluate proposed validation studies. Agencies will use this information to establish priorities for appropriate research, development, and validation efforts in collaboration with interested parties.

Duration of this Committee is continuing unless formally determined by the Secretary, DHHS, that termination would be in the best public interest.

Dated: January 21, 1999

_____________________________________
Kenneth Olden
Director, National Toxicology Program

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