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SOT Members Can Officially Join the Biotechnology Specialty Section and the Medical Device Specialty Section
The Biotechnology Specialty Section (BTSS) was approved by SOT Council in July 2009 and the Medical Device Specialty Section (MDSS) in September 2009. Both sections will be available for SOT members to officially join in conjunction with the payment of 2010 dues. These are the newest of the 24 Specialty Sections that provide a forum for networking with peers who share an interest in your area of toxicology. These disciplinary groups may propose sessions for the Annual Meeting, exchange information via newsletters, present awards, host meetings, and participate in other scientific activities. You must be a member of SOT to join a Specialty Section. The membership dues are $15 for each group, and students and postdoctoral fellows may join their first Specialty Section at no cost. Learn more about SOT Specialty Sections.
The Biotechnology Specialty Section (BTSS)
Biotechnology has been defined as “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.” In the field of toxicology, this term has been used most abundantly in the context of biotechnology-derived macromolecules being developed to treat disease. However, the term also applies to several other modalities including genetically modified organics, biodegradable plastics, biofuels, imaging and diagnostic agents, bioremediation, and the impact of manufacturing processes on biopharmaceuticals. This area of research and development is growing in importance and impact in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, food, agriculture, environmental waste management, and industrial application. As of December 31, 2006, there were 1,452 biotechnology companies in the United States. This rapidly growing field has already had an effect on toxicology through a robust focus on the scientific rationale driving safety assessment program design and data interpretation, as well as the development of new or refined models for safety assessment. Due to the evolving molecular complexity of biotechnology products and the increasingly diverse nature of applications, we can expect that biotechnology-derived products will impact toxicology increasingly for many years to come.
The Medical Device Specialty Section (MDSS)
The purpose of the MDSS will be to provide an international forum where government, industry, and academic toxicologists can share state-of-the-art knowledge and develop new approaches for the evaluation of medical devices. The objectives for the proposed MDSS include the following:
- Provide an international focus group for toxicologists working in the area of medical devices and combination products including a device component;
- Promote the development of new experimental methods for the evaluation of medical devices;
- Sponsor scientific and educational programs that emphasize current developments and issues in the toxicological evaluation of medical devices;
- Promote proactive communication and interactions among toxicologists in government regulatory agencies, regulated industry, and academia regarding current issues in medical device toxicology. Specific areas of interest include: plastics, metals, ceramics, materials of biologic origin, and validation of new/alternative toxicology assays for medical devices;
- Stimulate interest in medical device safety as a career path for new toxicologists.
Please contact Lori Moilanen if you are interested in the MDSS and would like to be added to the e-mail distribution list for this new specialty section.
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