Pharmacy Dean Named Chair of FDA Advisory Board

Daniel Acosta, Jr., PhD, dean of the UC College of Pharmacy, was reappointed to serve as chair of the Science Advisory Board to the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  His appointment will begin July 1, 2003 and end June 30, 2007. 

"I believe the Science Advisory Board consists of many fine toxicologists who provide sound advice to the NCTR for its mission of examining the biological effects of potentially toxic substances in animals and humans," said Dr. Acosta.  "The board ensures that research programs at NCTR laboratories are scientifically sound and pertinent.  It is very important that regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, base their decisions on good science.  It is also fundamental for FDA scientists to have the opportunity to interact with non-government scientists in order to have the most up-to-date scientific findings in toxicology and other disciplines."

The National Center for Toxicological Research conducts peer-reviewed scientific research that supports and anticipates the FDA's current and future regulatory needs.  This involves fundamental and applied research specifically designed to define biological mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of products regulated by the FDA.  This research is aimed at understanding critical biological events in the expression of toxicity and at developing methods to improve assessment of human exposure, susceptibility and risk. 

For more information on the NCTR, visit

http://www.fda.gov/nctr/science/committees/committees.htm

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