Does the FDA conduct nanotech research?
FDA has a Grants Program in support of Orphan Products Research and Development. FDA does not otherwise conduct research in support of particular product applications. FDA does not have a grants program to support other research in non-FDA laboratories. FDA conducts research in several of its Centers to understand the characteristics of nano-materials and nanotechnology processes. Research interests include any areas related to the use of nanoproducts that FDA needs to consider in the regulation of these products. As an example of current research, FDA is collaborating with the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS) on studies, as part of the National Toxicology Program, examining the skin absorption and phototoxicity of nano-sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide preparations used in sunscreens.
