1. Nanotechnology: Issues and Future Directions
Nakissa Sadrieh Ph.D.
OPS/CDER/FDA
ACPS October 2006

2. Outline Introduction (Nakissa Sadrieh, FDA)
Applicability of existing regulations to the development of a dendrimer nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical (Jeremy Paull, Starpharma)
Nanotechnology in emerging medical and consumer products-Opportunities and risks (Russel Lebovitz, Suma Partners)
Questions to the ACPS (Nakissa Sadrieh, FDA)
ACPS October 2006

3. Why is there interest in nanotechnology?
At the nanoscale, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials differ in fundamental and valuable ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter.
Nanotechnology R&D is directed toward understanding and creating improved materials and systems that exploit these new properties.
ACPS October 2006

4. NNI Definition
Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
ACPS October 2006

5. Applications of Nanoparticles to Drug Discovery and Biology
Fluorescent biological markers
Detection of proteins
Probing of DNA structures
Separation and purification of biological molecules and cells
MRI contrast enhancement
Tumor destruction via heating
Tissue engineering
Drug and gene delivery (Nanomarkets, March 2005)
ACPS October 2006

6. Trends in Development of Nanoparticles in Medicine
Currently, nanoparticle applications in medicine are geared towards drug discovery and drug delivery.
In the future, the goal is to make the nanoparticles multifunctional and controllable by external signals or local environments.
ACPS October 2006

7. Possible Opportunities for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
Enhanced drug properties such as:
Solubility
Rate of dissolution
Oral bioavailability
Targeting ability
Enhanced dosing requirements:
Lower dosed administered
Better side effect profile
More convenient dosage forms
ACPS October 2006

8. FDA-Regulated Products Expected to be Impacted by Nanotechnology
Drugs (novel NMEs or delivery systems)
Medical devices
Biotechnology products
Tissue engineering products
Vaccines
Cosmetics
Combination products
ACPS October 2006

9. Examples of Nanotechnology Combination Product
Multi-component system that may consist of:
Carrier/delivery system (drug or device)
Therapeutic agent (drug or biologic)
Imaging agent
Targeting agent
Implantable microchip-based delivery systems that deliver different drugs under controlled conditions.
Injectable delivery systems (transdermal microneedles). (Nanomarkets, March 2005)
ACPS October 2006

10. Are nanomaterials new to FDA?
Drugs:
Imaging agents (Gadolinium MRI contrast agents, iron oxide contrast agent).
Reformulated drugs using nanocrystal technology to enhance bioavailability properties of previously approved drugs (immunosuppressant, antiemitic).
Liposomal products
Nanoparticle-based formulation of previously approved anti-tumor agent
ACPS October 2006

11. Other “nano-scale” products on the market
Devices
Silver nanoparticles (anti-bacterial wound dressing)
Engineered Calcium Phosphate (duplicates microstructure, composition and performance of human bone)
Nanoparticle dental restorative
Cosmetics (“nanosomes”)
Sunscreens (TiO2 and ZnO)
ACPS October 2006

12. FDA Activities in Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology interest group within the Office of the Commissioner.
Working groups within individual Centers.
Internal nanotechnology task force established by the acting Commissioner.
Public meeting in October 2006 to understand developments in nanotechnology.
MOU between FDA, NCI and NIST.
Research
ACPS October 2006

13. Current approach
Specific consideration may need to be given to nanoparticle-containing products, in the areas of:
Characterization
Safety
ACPS October 2006

14. Current thinking within CDER nanotechnology working group
CDER/FDA’s current requirements for safety testing of products is very rigorous. However if research identifies toxicological risks that are unique to nanomaterials, additional testing requirements may become necessary.
At this time, there are no testing requirements that are specific to nanotechnology products.
ACPS October 2006

15. What about a Nanotechnology Product Guidance Document?
Guidances are built on precedence from review and on extensive literature data.
Because nanotechnology is an evolving field and we are still learning, CDER is not anticipating any new preclinical or CMC guidance documents regarding nanomaterials in the near future.
ACPS October 2006

16. Review Process for Nanotechnology Drugs
The effectiveness of the agency’s regulatory approach to meet unique challenges that may be presented by the use of nanotechnology materials in FDA-regulated products is currently being evaluated.
However, in the meantime, and based on the available information, the review process for products containing nanomaterials is likely to essentially remain the same as that used for products that do not contain nanomaterials.
ACPS October 2006