[Federal Register: June 1, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 103)]
[Notices]
[Page 26242-26243]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01jn09-45]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Toxicology Program (NTP); NTP Interagency Center for the
Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM); Independent
Scientific Peer Review Panel Report: Updated Validation Status of New
Versions and Applications of the Murine Local Lymph Node Assay: A Test
Method for Assessing the Allergic Contact Dermatitis Potential of
Chemicals and Products: Notice of Availability and Request for Public
Comments
AGENCY: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS),
National Institutes of Health (NIH).
ACTION: Request for comments.
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SUMMARY: NICEATM, in collaboration with the Interagency Coordinating
Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM), convened
an independent, international, scientific peer review panel (hereafter,
Panel) on April 28-29, 2009, to evaluate three non-radioactive modified
versions and new applications for the Murine Local Lymph Node Assay
(LLNA). The LLNA is an alternative test method that can be used to
determine the allergic contact dermatitis potential of chemicals and
products. The Panel report from this meeting is now available. The
report contains (1) the Panel's evaluation of the updated validation
status of the methods and (2) the Panel's comments on the updated draft
ICCVAM test method recommendations. NICEATM invites public comment on
the Panel's report. The report is available on the NICEATM-ICCVAM Web
site at http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/docs/immunotox_docs/
LLNAPRPRept2009.pdf or by contacting NICEATM at the address given
below.
DATES: Written comments on the Panel report should be received by July
15, 2009.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted preferably electronically via
the NICEATM-ICCVAM Web site at http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/contact/FR_
pubcomment.htm. Comments can also be submitted by e-mail to
niceatm@niehs.nih.gov. Written comments can be sent by mail or fax to
Dr. William S. Stokes, Director, NICEATM, NIEHS, P.O. Box 12233, Mail
Stop: K2-16, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; (fax) 919-541-0947.
Courier address: NIEHS, NICEATM, 530 Davis Drive, Room 2035, Durham, NC
27713.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. William S. Stokes (telephone) 919-
541-2384, (fax) 919-541-0947 and (e-mail) niceatm@niehs.nih.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
In January 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission submitted a
nomination to NICEATM and ICCVAM to assess the validation status of (1)
the use of the LLNA to determine potency for hazard classification
purposes, (2) LLNA protocols using non-radioactive procedures, (3) the
LLNA limit dose procedure, and (4) the use of the LLNA to test
mixtures, aqueous solutions, and metals (i.e., an updated assessment of
the applicability domain of the LLNA). In June 2007, the Scientific
Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM)
endorsed these activities as high priorities for ICCVAM. NICEATM, on
behalf of ICCVAM, also sought input from the public on these activities
and requested data from studies using the LLNA or modified versions of
the LLNA (72 FR 27815). After considering all comments received, ICCVAM
endorsed carrying out these activities as high priorities. ICCVAM also
developed draft LLNA performance standards to facilitate evaluation of
modified LLNA protocols that are functionally and mechanistically
similar to the traditional LLNA. These draft LLNA performance standards
were made public and comments were requested in September 2007 (72 FR
52130).
ICCVAM and NICEATM prepared draft background review documents
(BRDs) that provided comprehensive reviews of available data and
relevant information for each of the modifications and new applications
of the LLNA. ICCVAM also developed draft test method recommendations
regarding the proposed usefulness and limitations, standardized
protocols, and future studies. NICEATM announced availability of the
draft BRDs and draft recommendations for public comment and the public
peer review meeting in January 2008 (73 FR 1360).
The Panel met in public session on March 4-6, 2008, to review these
topics, and their report was made available in May 2008 (73 FR 29136).
The draft BRDs and draft test method recommendations, the draft ICCVAM
LLNA test method performance standards, the Panel's report, and all
public comments were made available to SACATM for comment at their
meeting on June 18-19, 2008 (73 FR 25754).
As a result of additional data received by ICCVAM subsequent to the
March 2008 Panel meeting, the draft BRDs for the following were
updated:
The validation status of three modified LLNA test method
protocols that do not require the use of radioactive substances.
The use of the LLNA for testing pesticide formulations,
other products, and aqueous solutions.
Second Meeting of the Peer Review Panel
The Panel met again in public session on April 28-29, 2009 (74 FR
8974). The Panel reviewed the revised draft ICCVAM documents for
completeness, errors, and omissions of any existing relevant data or
information. The Panel evaluated the information in the revised draft
documents to determine the extent to which each of the applicable
criteria for validation and acceptance of toxicological test methods
(ICCVAM, 2003) had been appropriately addressed. The Panel then
considered the ICCVAM draft recommendations for test method uses and
limitations, proposed standardized protocol, proposed plans for
development of test method performance standards, and proposed
additional studies, and commented on the extent that the
recommendations were supported by the information provided in the draft
BRDs.
Availability of the Peer Panel Report
The Panel's conclusions and recommendations are detailed in the
[[Page 26243]]
Independent Scientific Peer Review Panel Report: Updated Validation
Status of New Versions and Applications of the Murine Local Lymph Node
Assay: A Test Method for Assessing the Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Potential of Chemicals and Products (available at http://
iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/docs/immunotox_docs/LLNAPRPRept2009.pdf). The
revised draft documents reviewed by the Panel and the draft ICCVAM test
method recommendations are available at http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/
methods/immunotox/llna_PeerPanel.htm.
Request for Public Comments
NICEATM invites the submission of written comments on the Panel's
report. When submitting written comments, please refer to this Federal
Register notice and include appropriate contact information (name,
affiliation, mailing address, phone, fax, e-mail, and sponsoring
organization, if applicable). All comments received will be made
publicly available via the NICEATM-ICCVAM Web site at http://
iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/immunotox/llna_PeerPanel.htm. In
addition, there will be an opportunity for oral public comments on the
Panel's report during an upcoming meeting of SACATM scheduled for June
25-26, 2009 (74 FR 19562). Information concerning the SACATM meeting is
available at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/7441. ICCVAM will consider the
Panel report along with SACATM and public comments when finalizing test
method recommendations. An ICCVAM test method evaluation report, which
will include the final ICCVAM recommendations, will be forwarded to
relevant Federal agencies for their consideration. The evaluation
report will also be available to the public on the NICEATM-ICCVAM Web
site at http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/immunotox/llna.htm and by
request from NICEATM (see ADDRESSES above).
Background Information on ICCVAM, NICEATM, and SACATM
ICCVAM is an interagency committee composed of representatives from
15 Federal regulatory and research agencies that use, generate, or
disseminate toxicological information. ICCVAM conducts technical
evaluations of new, revised, and alternative methods with regulatory
applicability and promotes the scientific validation and regulatory
acceptance of toxicological test methods that more accurately assess
the safety and hazards of chemicals and products and that refine,
reduce, and replace animal use. The ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000
(42 U.S.C. 285l-3) established ICCVAM as a permanent interagency
committee of the NIEHS under NICEATM. NICEATM administers ICCVAM and
provides scientific and operational support for ICCVAM-related
activities. NICEATM and ICCVAM work collaboratively to evaluate new and
improved test methods applicable to the needs of U.S. Federal agencies.
Additional information about ICCVAM and NICEATM can be found on their
Web site (http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov).
SACATM was established January 9, 2002, and is composed of
scientists from the public and private sectors (67 FR 11358). SACATM
provides advice to the Director of the NIEHS, ICCVAM, and NICEATM
regarding the statutorily mandated duties of ICCVAM and activities of
NICEATM. Additional information about SACATM, including the charter,
roster, and records of past meetings, can be found at http://
ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ see ``Advisory Board & Committees'' (or directly at
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/167).
Reference
ICCVAM. 2003. ICCVAM Guidelines for the Nomination and
Submission of New, Revised, and Alternative Test Methods. NIH
Publication No. 03-4508. Research Triangle Park, NC: NIEHS.
Available at: http://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov.
Dated: May 19, 2009.
John R. Bucher,
Associate Director, NTP.
[FR Doc. E9-12360 Filed 5-29-09; 8:45 am]
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