[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 20 (Monday, February 1, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 4874]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-2247]



[[Page 4874]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


National Toxicology Program; National Toxicology Program Special 
Emphasis Panel; Notice of Establishment

    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.
[FR Doc. 99-2247 Filed 1-29-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-M