National Toxicology Program (NTP), NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM); Notice of Availability of the NICEATM Pre-Screen Evaluation of a Cell Proliferation Assay To Detect Estrogenic Activity: Request for Comments and Nominations of Other In Vitro Endocrine Disruptor Test Methods, 60748-60749 [E6-17134]

Download as PDF 60748 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 199 / Monday, October 16, 2006 / Notices December 14, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 239, page 68782)]. The CERHR is a publicly accessible resource for information about adverse reproductive and/or developmental health effects associated with exposure to environmental and/or occupational exposures. Expert panels conduct scientific evaluations of agents selected by the CERHR in public forums. The CERHR invites the nomination of agents for review or scientists for its expert registry. Information about CERHR and the nomination process can be obtained from its homepage (https:// cerhr.niehs.nih.gov) or by contacting Dr. Shelby (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). The CERHR selects chemicals for evaluation based upon several factors including production volume, potential for human exposure from use and occurrence in the environment, extent of public concern, and extent of data from reproductive and developmental toxicity studies. CERHR follows a formal, multi-step process for review and evaluation of selected chemicals. The formal evaluation process was published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 136, pages 37047– 37048) and is available on the CERHR Web site under ‘‘About CERHR’’ or in printed copy from the CERHR. Dated: October 5, 2006. Samuel H. Wilson, Deputy Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program. [FR Doc. E6–17137 Filed 10–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Toxicology Program (NTP), NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM); Notice of Availability of the NICEATM Pre-Screen Evaluation of a Cell Proliferation Assay To Detect Estrogenic Activity: Request for Comments and Nominations of Other In Vitro Endocrine Disruptor Test Methods National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS. ACTION: Report availability and request for comments and nominations. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In January 2006, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) received VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:16 Oct 13, 2006 Jkt 211001 a test method nomination for the validation of a cell-based estrogen receptor (ER) transcriptional activation (TA) test method from CertiChem, Inc. CertiChem, Inc. submitted a background review document (BRD) containing information on historical development of the test method, the rationale for the test method, and supporting materials. In accordance with the ICCVAM nomination process, NICEATM conducted a pre-screen evaluation of the BRD to determine the extent that it addressed ICCVAM prioritization criteria, submission guidelines, and recommendations for standardization and validation of in vitro endocrine disruptor test methods. NICEATM also reviewed the performance of the test method based on pre-validation data to determine if it warranted consideration for further validation. ICCVAM requests public comments on the pre-screen evaluation titled, ‘‘Pre-Screen Evaluation of the CertiChem, Inc. In Vitro Endocrine Disruptor Assay (Robotic MCF–7 Cell Proliferation Assay of Estrogenic Activity.)’’ The pre-screen evaluation is available with supporting documents at (https:// iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/ endocrine.htm). ICCVAM also invites public comments on whether this test method should be considered for additional validation studies. In addition, ICCVAM again invites the nomination of other in vitro ER and androgen receptor (AR) binding and TA test methods for which there are standardized test method protocols, prevalidation data, and proposed validation study designs. DATES: Comments and nominations should be received by November 30, 2006. ADDRESSES: Correspondence should be sent by mail, fax, or e-mail to Dr. William S. Stokes, NICEATM Director, NIEHS, P.O. Box 12233, MD EC–17, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, (phone) 919–541–2384, (fax) 919–541– 0947, (e-mail) niceatm@niehs.nih.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background In May 2003, ICCVAM published the report, ‘‘ICCVAM Evaluation of In Vitro Test Methods for Detecting Potential Endocrine Disruptors: Estrogen Receptor and Androgen Receptor Binding and Transcriptional Activation Assays (NIH Publication No. 03–4503; available: https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/ endocrine.htm). The report recommends minimum procedural standards that should be incorporated in standardized test method protocols and minimum lists of chemicals that should be used PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for validation studies. A request was made for nominations of validation studies for in vitro ER and AR binding and TA test methods based on these recommendations and for which there are standardized test method protocols, pre-validation data, and proposed validation study designs (69 FR 21564). ICCVAM subsequently received a nomination from CertiChem, Inc. for the validation of a cell-based ER TA method that evaluates the estrogenic activity of substances by measuring whether and to what extent a substance induces cell proliferation via ER-dependent pathways. In support of this nomination, ICCVAM received a BRD containing information on the test method’s historical development, its rationale, its protocol, and other supporting materials. In accordance with the ICCVAM nomination process, NICEATM conducted a pre-screen evaluation of the BRD to determine the extent that it addressed ICCVAM prioritization criteria, submission guidelines, and recommendations for standardization and validation of in vitro endocrine disruptor test methods. NICEATM also reviewed the performance of the proposed test method based on pre-validation data to determine if it warranted consideration for further validation. The BRD was reviewed for completeness and to identify aspects or omissions that could impede further review. The criteria considered in evaluating information provided in the BRD are: • The extent to which the BRD addresses ICCVAM prioritization criteria. • The extent to which the BRD provides the information requested in the ICCVAM Guidelines for the Nomination and Submission of New, Revised, and Alternative Test Methods (NIH Pub. No. 03–4508, available at https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov). • The extent to which the proposed test method adheres to the recommendations of the ICCVAM Evaluation of In Vitro Test Methods for Detecting Potential Endocrine Disruptors (NIH Pub. No. 03–4503, available at https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/ methods/endocrine.htm), especially those regarding essential test method components and recommended validation substances. • The extent to which the proposed test method shows adequate performance (reliability and accuracy) during pre-validation to warrant consideration for validation studies. Based on the pre-screen evaluation, ICCVAM made a draft recommendation that this test method be considered as a high priority for validation studies to E:\FR\FM\16OCN1.SGM 16OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 199 / Monday, October 16, 2006 / Notices evaluate its usefulness and limitations for detecting substances with in vitro estrogenic agonist and antagonist activity, and that standardization of an anti-estrogenic protocol be developed prior to starting the main validation effort. ICCVAM will finalize its recommendations on the priority for future validation of this test method after considering comments received from the public and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods (SACATM) at their November 30, 2006 meeting. ICCVAM also takes this opportunity to again invite the nomination of other in vitro ER and AR binding and TA test methods for which there are standardized test method protocols, prevalidation data, and proposed validation study designs (see also 69 FR 21564). When submitting written comments and nominations 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 by the deadline listed above will be placed on the ICCVAM/NICEATM Web site and made available to ICCVAM. In addition, there will be an opportunity for oral public comments on the draft ICCVAM pre-screen evaluation during a meeting of the SACATM scheduled for November 30, 2006. Details of the SACATM meeting are published as a separate Federal Register notice (see https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/frn for the Federal Register notice citation). jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES Background Information on ICCVAM and NICEATM ICCVAM is an interagency committee composed of representatives from 15 Federal regulatory and research agencies that use or generate 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, or replace animal use. The ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 285) established ICCVAM as a permanent interagency committee of the NIEHS under the NICEATM. NICEATM administers the 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 Federal agencies. Additional information about ICCVAM and VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:16 Oct 13, 2006 Jkt 211001 NICEATM can be found at the following Web site: https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov. Dated: October 5, 2006. Samuel H. Wilson, Deputy Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program. [FR Doc. E6–17134 Filed 10–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Transportation Security Administration New Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP), Training Course Feedback Forms Transportation Security Administration, DHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the new Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. TSA published a Federal Register notice, with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments, of the following collection of information on August 9, 2006, 71 FR 45573. SUMMARY: Send your comments by November 15, 2006. A comment to OMB is most effective if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/TSA, and sent via electronic mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov or faxed to (202) 395–6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katrina Kletzly, Attorney-Advisor, Office of the Chief Counsel, TSA–2, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202–4220; telephone (571) 227–1995; facsimile (571) 227–1381. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Comments Invited In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 60749 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. Therefore, in preparation for OMB review and approval of the following information collection, TSA is soliciting comments to— (1) Evaluate whether the proposed information requirement is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Information Collection Requirement Title: National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP), Training Course Feedback Forms. Type of Request: New collection. OMB Control Number: Not yet assigned. Form(s): Training Course Feedback Forms. Affected Public: Canine course participants. Abstract: The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) is a component of TSA’s Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service and is a cooperative partnership with participating airports and mass transit systems. TSA provides and trains the canines, and provides indepth training for the handlers. TSA also partially reimburses the participating agency for costs associated with the teams, such as salaries, overtime, canine food, and veterinary care. Following training, TSA requests that handlers and supervisors complete TSA’s Training Course Feedback Form. TSA will use the feedback results to continuously evaluate the quality of training, improve the course curriculum and course of instruction, as well as obtain new ideas, best practices, and insight on the overall canine training program. Number of Respondents: 150. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: An estimated 150 hours annually. Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on October 10, 2006. Lisa S. Dean, Privacy Officer. [FR Doc. E6–17132 Filed 10–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–05–P E:\FR\FM\16OCN1.SGM 16OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 199 (Monday, October 16, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60748-60749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-17134]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health


National Toxicology Program (NTP), NTP Interagency Center for the 
Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM); Notice of 
Availability of the NICEATM Pre-Screen Evaluation of a Cell 
Proliferation Assay To Detect Estrogenic Activity: Request for Comments 
and Nominations of Other In Vitro Endocrine Disruptor Test Methods

AGENCY: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), 
National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS.

ACTION: Report availability and request for comments and nominations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In January 2006, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on 
Alternative Methods (ICCVAM) received a test method nomination for the 
validation of a cell-based estrogen receptor (ER) transcriptional 
activation (TA) test method from CertiChem, Inc. CertiChem, Inc. 
submitted a background review document (BRD) containing information on 
historical development of the test method, the rationale for the test 
method, and supporting materials. In accordance with the ICCVAM 
nomination process, NICEATM conducted a pre-screen evaluation of the 
BRD to determine the extent that it addressed ICCVAM prioritization 
criteria, submission guidelines, and recommendations for 
standardization and validation of in vitro endocrine disruptor test 
methods. NICEATM also reviewed the performance of the test method based 
on pre-validation data to determine if it warranted consideration for 
further validation. ICCVAM requests public comments on the pre-screen 
evaluation titled, ``Pre-Screen Evaluation of the CertiChem, Inc. In 
Vitro Endocrine Disruptor Assay (Robotic MCF-7 Cell Proliferation Assay 
of Estrogenic Activity.)'' The pre-screen evaluation is available with 
supporting documents at (https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/
endocrine.htm). ICCVAM also invites public comments on whether this 
test method should be considered for additional validation studies. In 
addition, ICCVAM again invites the nomination of other in vitro ER and 
androgen receptor (AR) binding and TA test methods for which there are 
standardized test method protocols, pre-validation data, and proposed 
validation study designs.

DATES: Comments and nominations should be received by November 30, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Correspondence should be sent by mail, fax, or e-mail to Dr. 
William S. Stokes, NICEATM Director, NIEHS, P.O. Box 12233, MD EC-17, 
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, (phone) 919-541-2384, (fax) 919-541-
0947, (e-mail) niceatm@niehs.nih.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    In May 2003, ICCVAM published the report, ``ICCVAM Evaluation of In 
Vitro Test Methods for Detecting Potential Endocrine Disruptors: 
Estrogen Receptor and Androgen Receptor Binding and Transcriptional 
Activation Assays (NIH Publication No. 03-4503; available: https://
iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/endocrine.htm). The report recommends 
minimum procedural standards that should be incorporated in 
standardized test method protocols and minimum lists of chemicals that 
should be used for validation studies. A request was made for 
nominations of validation studies for in vitro ER and AR binding and TA 
test methods based on these recommendations and for which there are 
standardized test method protocols, pre-validation data, and proposed 
validation study designs (69 FR 21564). ICCVAM subsequently received a 
nomination from CertiChem, Inc. for the validation of a cell-based ER 
TA method that evaluates the estrogenic activity of substances by 
measuring whether and to what extent a substance induces cell 
proliferation via ER-dependent pathways. In support of this nomination, 
ICCVAM received a BRD containing information on the test method's 
historical development, its rationale, its protocol, and other 
supporting materials. In accordance with the ICCVAM nomination process, 
NICEATM conducted a pre-screen evaluation of the BRD to determine the 
extent that it addressed ICCVAM prioritization criteria, submission 
guidelines, and recommendations for standardization and validation of 
in vitro endocrine disruptor test methods. NICEATM also reviewed the 
performance of the proposed test method based on pre-validation data to 
determine if it warranted consideration for further validation. The BRD 
was reviewed for completeness and to identify aspects or omissions that 
could impede further review. The criteria considered in evaluating 
information provided in the BRD are:
     The extent to which the BRD addresses ICCVAM 
prioritization criteria.
     The extent to which the BRD provides the information 
requested in the ICCVAM Guidelines for the Nomination and Submission of 
New, Revised, and Alternative Test Methods (NIH Pub. No. 03-4508, 
available at https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov).
     The extent to which the proposed test method adheres to 
the recommendations of the ICCVAM Evaluation of In Vitro Test Methods 
for Detecting Potential Endocrine Disruptors (NIH Pub. No. 03-4503, 
available at https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov/methods/endocrine.htm), 
especially those regarding essential test method components and 
recommended validation substances.
     The extent to which the proposed test method shows 
adequate performance (reliability and accuracy) during pre-validation 
to warrant consideration for validation studies.
    Based on the pre-screen evaluation, ICCVAM made a draft 
recommendation that this test method be considered as a high priority 
for validation studies to

[[Page 60749]]

evaluate its usefulness and limitations for detecting substances with 
in vitro estrogenic agonist and antagonist activity, and that 
standardization of an anti-estrogenic protocol be developed prior to 
starting the main validation effort. ICCVAM will finalize its 
recommendations on the priority for future validation of this test 
method after considering comments received from the public and the 
Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative Toxicological Methods 
(SACATM) at their November 30, 2006 meeting.
    ICCVAM also takes this opportunity to again invite the nomination 
of other in vitro ER and AR binding and TA test methods for which there 
are standardized test method protocols, pre-validation data, and 
proposed validation study designs (see also 69 FR 21564).
    When submitting written comments and nominations 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 by the 
deadline listed above will be placed on the ICCVAM/NICEATM Web site and 
made available to ICCVAM. In addition, there will be an opportunity for 
oral public comments on the draft ICCVAM pre-screen evaluation during a 
meeting of the SACATM scheduled for November 30, 2006. Details of the 
SACATM meeting are published as a separate Federal Register notice (see 
https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/frn for the Federal Register notice 
citation).

Background Information on ICCVAM and NICEATM

    ICCVAM is an interagency committee composed of representatives from 
15 Federal regulatory and research agencies that use or generate 
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, or replace 
animal use. The ICCVAM Authorization Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 285) 
established ICCVAM as a permanent interagency committee of the NIEHS 
under the NICEATM. NICEATM administers the 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 Federal agencies. Additional 
information about ICCVAM and NICEATM can be found at the following Web 
site: https://iccvam.niehs.nih.gov.

    Dated: October 5, 2006.
Samuel H. Wilson,
Deputy Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 
and National Toxicology Program.
[FR Doc. E6-17134 Filed 10-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-P
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