National Capital Area Chapter
Society of Toxicology Newsletter
Electronic Edition
January, 2004 Issue
16
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Editor—Gary
Burin
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER EARLY FOR THE SOT ANNUAL MEETING
REGISTER AT https://www.eshow2000.com/toxexpo/registration.cfm
Message from the President by Sid Green
This is the first opportunity I have had to communicate with you by way of our newsletter. First let me begin by thanking those members of the chapter who have seen fit to participate in the chapter’s activities, either by serving on committees, or participating in or otherwise helping with the symposia and student’s day. I would also like to say that I am fortunate to have the group of officers, including the student representatives, who are currently working with the chapter. They have truly done an outstanding job.
We have been very busy attempting to make certain you view the chapter as a valuable asset. One of the activities that takes the most planning and time is the symposia/students day. I know that surprised no one, but I make that point to solicit your help when called on to either suggest speakers, topics, or help in making those events successful. One of the ways you can help is by attending the sessions. Most have agreed that the topics over the past years have been extremely interesting, but that has not really translated into increased attendance. If you have a suggestion for a topic, give Dr. David Kram a call or contact any of the officers of the chapter.
SOT headquarters has requested we name a Web Liaison person to work with headquarters to keep our chapter’s site current and posted with information that helps the members and showcases our chapter’s activities. Dr. Thomas Flynn of the FDA has accepted that role and we intend to improve on our website with his able assistance. Please free to make any suggestions you may have to Tom or any of the officers of the chapter.
Also the organizers of the national meeting have soliciting
our help in making the Education Committee's efforts a success at the Annual
Meeting in
So you see, there are lots of ways you can help the chapter, and I encourage you to make an effort to do so. We are really here to serve you, and I happen to think we best serve when we have an active and interested membership.
NCAC-SOT
Executive Board Members – 2003-2004
President: Sidney Green ('03-'04)
202-806-9748;
sidgreen@howard.edu
Vice-President/ David Jacobson-Kram
(’03-’04)
President-elect: Food and Drug
Administration
301-594-5671;
jacobsonkram@cder.fda.gov
Immediate Past Susan
Makris ('03-'04)
President: Environmental
Protection Agency
703-305-5222;
makris.susan@epa.gov
Secretary: Pamela
Chamberlain ('03-'06)
Covance
Laboratories
703-245-2200
Treasurer: Laurie
Roszell ('02-‘05)
410-436-8774;
laurie.roszell@apg.amedd.army.mil
Councilors: Gary Burin ('03-'06)
Technology
Sciences Group Inc.
202-828-8980
gburin@tsgusa.com
Katherine
Squibb (‘01-‘04)
410-706-8196; ksquibb@umaryland.edu
Thomas
Flynn (‘03-‘05)
Food
and Drug Administration
301-827-8382;
thomas.flynn@cder.fda.gov
Student Robert
Mitkus (‘03-’04)
Representative
410-706-5153;
rmitk001@umaryland.edu
Student Vice- Melinda Pomeroy (’03-’04)
Representative Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and
540-231-1887;
mpomeroy@vt..edu
Note: Ben Fisher (Covance Laboratories), who was elected to the position of Councilor (Newsletter Editor) in May 2003, resigned this position due to extensive job-related responsibilities. Gary Burin (Technology Sciences Group), who was also on the May 2003 ballot, has agreed to step into this role and will serve as Newsletter Editor through 2006. The Executive Board extends heartfelt thanks to both Ben and Gary for their service to the NCAC-SOT!
Fall Symposium
Topic: Animal Models for Safety and Efficacy Testing
of Agents that can not be Tested in Humans
Location:
Date: November 18, 2003
The goal of this symposium was to help educate toxicologists and generate
discussion about the use of animals for safety and efficacy testing when the
conduct of such studies in human populations would be considered unethical.
This regulation, often called the “Animal Rule” was published in the Federal
Register in May of 2002. This regulation
specifies that animal studies alone can be used to demonstrate effectiveness
when: 1. The pathophysiological mechanism for the toxicity of the substance
(chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear) and its treatment or
prevention is well understood, 2. The drug effect is demonstrated in two animal
species, unless one species has been well characterized, 3. The endpoint in
animal studies is clearly related to the human endpoint, 4. PK/PD data are
available to allow selection of an effective human dose. Examples of drugs and biologicals approved
under the animal rule were presented.
Speakers and presentation titles:
Tracey MacGill, Ph.D.,
The recent heightened threat of biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear attacks by terrorists has resulted in a critical need to develop medical countermeasures against these agents. The approval of a new drug product by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires “substantial evidence”, that is, a demonstration of safety for use in humans and efficacy for the specified indication under the conditions of use. Historically, the requirement of substantial evidence has been met through the conduct of adequate and well-controlled clinical studies. It is widely accepted that intentional exposure of human volunteers to the extreme toxicity of threat agents would be unethical. Natural or accidental exposures are rare, making it infeasible to conduct clinical trials for many of the threat agents. For these reasons, the FDA promulgated 21 CFR 314 Subpart I (the “Animal Efficacy Rule”) in 2002. Under this rule, animal data may be accepted as primary evidence of efficacy and used in conjunction with human safety data as the basis of approval, when specific criteria can be met. Under this rule the development of validated animal models of human disease and the ability to interpret and extrapolate animal pharmacodynamics data to effective exposure in humans will be critical for development of drug countermeasures. This presentation will describe the Animal Efficacy Rule, current strategies for using the Rule, and challenges that may be encountered in the development and approval of products under the Rule.
Daniel P. Maher, Ph.D., Ph.L.,
This paper argues that the effort to make medicine scientific leads to a fundamental difficulty for any effort to articulate adequate ethical standards for research on human beings. Admiration for scientific certainty entails a depreciation for any kind of thinking or judgment that is not scientifically verified or verifiable. This depreciates in particular the cognitive value of the moral standards that place limits on the conduct of medical research. From the perspective of the standards of scientific certainty, any moral judgment tends to appear as a more or less arbitrary constraint imposed by those who have political or social power to define what is morally acceptable. This fundamental difficulty undermines confidence in the very standards and goals that govern the practice of medicine. The essay concludes with a summary of three sorts of arguments that have been proposed to justify medical research on human beings in virtue of the benefits that may be hoped to arise from it.
David Green, Ph.D., US FDA -- Rising to the Challenge – the FDA’s New
Rule Using Animal Efficacy Data for Approval of New Drugs and Biologics
In response to the public need to make available countermeasures to various threat agents that may be used by terrorists, FDA published the document titled, “New Drug and Biological Products: Evidence Needed to Demonstrate Effectiveness When Human Efficacy Studies Are Not Ethical or Feasible” or so-called “Animal Rule.” This new standard for the approval of drugs and biological products is a challenge to both the FDA and developers of new therapeutics. It is a challenge to FDA in terms of maintaining its high standards, particularly for measures of clinical efficacy, while departing from traditional methods and also for developers to be innovative and diligent in satisfying the criteria as set forth by FDA. A wide variety of drugs and biologics are potentially subject to the new rule, as medical countermeasures will be used in a diverse set of situations and involve various clinical populations. Previously drugs and biologics that were used as countermeasures could only be authorized for use under an IND. This process was difficult and cumbersome to use in emergencies. Fundamentally under the rule, animals will substitute for people to determine the efficacy countermeasures to threat agents and these findings will be extrapolated from animals to people. To perform this task in a scientifically valid fashion requires a careful consideration of several factors such mechanisms of action for the toxin and therapeutic as well as relative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodyanmics between species. The rule sets out basic principles to follow in devising and conducting studies including the use of GLP procedures. Although a challenge to implement, the first approval using the animal rule was pyridostigmine for pretreatment against poisoning by the nerve agent soman.
Doris Snow, Ph.D., Dynaport Corporation
-- Product Development
Challenges When Applying the Animal Rule
The Animal Rule has provided biodefense vaccine manufacturers an incredible opportunity to obtain licensure of unique products; however, with opportunity, comes many challenges. The Animal Rule is not a means to obtain accelerated approval, nor does it provide a short cut to licensure. There are many product development challenges, including design strategy challenges, facility challenges, manufacturing challenges, and clinical trial design challenges. It is important to identify and develop relevant animal models, and design studies that will support the label indication. It is essential to plan early and communicate frequently on the design and purpose of pivotal animal studies with the FDA.
Stephen Hundley,
FDA approved ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial,
for Inhalational Anthrax indication in late August, 2000. This approval preceded the final promulgation
of the "Animal Rule" in May, 2002.
The ciprofloxacin submission by Bayer Pharmaceuticals in part consisted
of a rhesus monkey study conducted in late summer and fall of 1990 by the
United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
(USAMRIID). The USAMRIID study
demonstrated that rhesus monkeys exposed by inhalation to weaponized anthrax
spores in quantities representing 5- to 10-fold the LD50, and were
treated with ciprofloxacin for 30 days had survival rates equivalent to
concurrent groups of monkeys dosed for the same timeperiod with doxycycline or
penicillin (Friedlander, et.al., J. Infect. Dis., 167:1239-1242,
1993). Experimental data with rhesus
monkeys as far back as 1956, and accidental exposure cases to humans from
The persistence of anthrax spores in the lung and
mediastinum for several weeks following inhalation exposure and continued
dosing with antimicrobials was confirmed in the USAMRIID study based on one of
ten monkeys that survived during the 30-day post-anthrax spore exposure period
while being administered ciprofloxacin but died due to anthrax within six days
of the cessation of ciprofloxacin therapy.
Similar observations were made in the case studies from the
John Carley, Ph.D.,
Abstract not available.
Jack Fowle, Ph.D.,
Many challenges prevent EPA for accurately knowing the true nature of risk from exposure to environmental chemicals and other agents so EPA must use assumptions and other policy choices in its risk assessments. Several recent technological advances now make it possible to develop molecular profiles using genomic, proteomic and metabonomic methods in order to identify the impacts that chemicals have on living organisms or the environment. Parallel to efforts in genomics there have been major advances in computer speed and access to data It is now possible to develop ways to evaluate the vast amounts of information created by the omic” technologies using data mining tools made possible by rapid advances in computational storage capacity and speed. These are being harnessed by EPA in its Computational Toxicology program to understand the cascade of events from exposure to disease and to provide tools, methods and models to improve risk assessment by developing ways to prioritize and rank chemicals for testing and to make the testing process more efficient. The application of computational toxicology to endocrine disrupting compounds was used to illustrate how the approach can improve ways to understand chemical transformation and metabolism, exposure indicators, dose metrics to better define toxicologically relevant doses, and how it can be used to characterize toxicity pathways to understand and predict how xenobiotics interact with biological systems. The goals are to improve quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) and other computational approaches, to develop pollution prevention strategies by developing the means to estimate potential impacts a candidate chemical may have after release into the environment, and to develop high throughput screening approaches as a rapid efficient means to provide preliminary data to rank chemicals for testing and evaluation. The challenges facing EPA in terms of resources, matching needed expertise with current capabilities and understanding how to interpret genomic data and linking the science to inform decision was also described. It was noted that in order to be able to use genomics data for risk assessment EPA needs to ensure
relevance, and the approaches
have to be feasible, not only technically but within the context of EPA’s laws,
resources and politics.
Student Day
Topic: 2003 Career Enhancement Day for Graduate Students
and Post-Docs: Skills You Can Use for Your Future: Interviewing
Location: Howard University Hospital Complex, Cancer Center,
Washington, DC
Date: November 19, 2003
Topics and speakers:
Interviewing skills for a Position at a State Organization
Kent Carlson, PhD, Biologist, OPP/Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, USEPA; former Toxicologist/Environmental Specialist, Maryland Department of the Environment
State toxicology positions
offer the potential to experience regional, state-wide, and local issues. For
this reason, they are often highly desired as a training ground for a career in
toxicology. State budgetary deficits have constrained the number of toxicology
positions, however, and available positions are highly competitive. Utilizing
the appropriate approach in interviews is critical, therefore, for successfully
obtaining a State Toxicologist position. Opportunities, requirements, and
interviewing tips for the position of Toxicologist with the Maryland Department
of the Environment will be discussed.
Interviewing skills for an Academic Assistant
Professor Position (Teaching primary, research secondary) Robert Resau, PhD, The Community College
of Baltimore County
There
are numerous and varied colleges and universities where teaching is the primary
responsibility of the faculty member and research is secondary. Some of these institutions do not expect any
research effort at all. Others require research involving undergraduates,
and still others expect occasional publications from the faculty member. These differences are very substantial, and
require that the candidates for any given position know which alternatives they
prefer, and investigate the specific characteristics of the institution
offering the position. This presentation
explores how to use such information to best advantage in the interview.
Interviewing skills for an Academic Post-doctoral Position Marion Ehrich, PhD, DVM, D.A.B.T., Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, President, Society of Toxicology
The purpose of post-doctoral training is to provide the new
toxicologist with experience as a semi-independent investigator, to ease the
transition to an independent investigator.
Responsibilities are considerably greater than those of a graduate
student, and may include exploring new frontiers for his/her mentor, managing a
project (including laboratory personnel working on the project), and/or
contributing to proposals that increase laboratory funding. Post-doctoral training is best done in a new
environment, so the interviewer will ask why the applicant chose to do
post-doctoral training, why this particular position is of interest, what the
applicant can bring to the laboratory, the expectations of the applicant while
employed as a post-doctoral research associate, and plans that go beyond the
post-doctoral appointment. In addition
to answering these questions to the best of the applicant’s ability, it is
important that he/she be honest about date available. To come to the interview with knowledge of
current and past work of the laboratory contributes to creating a favorable
impression.
Interviewing skills for an Academic Assistant
Professor Position (research primary, teaching secondary) John Groopman, PhD, Chair, Department
of Environmental Health Sciences,
Abstract not available.
The Federal Hiring Process
and What Interviewers Can and Can
not Ask by Law
Angela Mosby, Human Resources Officer, Region III, USEPA Robert J. Mitkus, Sr.,
Deputy Director, Office of Communications and Government Relations, Region III,
USEPA
This presentation will provide an overview of the federal and EPA hiring system and process, merit systems principles, prohibited personnel practices, OPM interviewing research, the EPA interview process and the types of questions encountered therein.
HIRED! Interviewing with Power, Polish and
Presence
Nancy Grimshaw,
CCP, PHR, Office of Human Resource Services,
University of Maryland Baltimore
We've all heard that you never get a second
chance to make a first impression. This
session will give you practical advice on how to interview at your best by
overcoming everything from nerves, to tough questions to a bad hair day. Find out why "taking up space"
isn't just for astronauts; it may help get you noticed! Learn effective practice techniques to
increase confidence. We'll even solve
the problem of how to dress for interviews in "office casual"
environments.
Interviewing skills for a Research Position in Industry
James C. Lamb, IV, Ph.D., D.A.B.T., Senior Vice President, The Weinberg Group Inc.; former Senior Vice-President, Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc. (BBL Sciences)
Abstract not available.
Interviewing skills for a
Research Post-doctoral Position in the Federal Government
Robert J. Mitkus, Sr., Deputy Director, Office of Communications and
Government Relations, USEPA
Angela Mosby, Human Resources Officer, USEPA Region III
Research indicates that past performance is an accurate indicator of future performance. As an extension of this, we will discuss types of interviews; benefits; how to plan for a logical, structured interview; identifying needed job skills for positions and describing them in objective, behavioral terms; guidelines for developing questions; common interview questions; steps in conducting successful interviews; and how to handle difficult interviewing situations.
Treasurer Report
by Laurie Roszell
The
following report details the income and expenses incurred as a result of the
Fall Symposium and Student Day (November 18-19, 2003), and summarizes the
current status of NCAC-SOT assets.
Meeting-related income:
Registration: No. Received
Symposium
Members
Regular (35) 18 $ 630
Student (0) 6 $ 0
Non-Members
Regular (45) 48 $2160
Student (10) 5 $ 50
Student Day
Members (5) 8 $ 40
Non-Members (10) 3 $ 30
Membership
Regular (20) 3 $ 60
Student
(10) 1 $
10
Total income: $2980
Meeting-related expenses:
Secretarial/Postage: $ 24.00 (Fall newsletter, Symposium)
Printing (program) $ 0.00
Speaker(s): $ 474.10
Room rental $ 0.00
Catering: $1428.75
Audio/visual $ 0.00
Poster boards $ 0.00
Speaker gifts $ 93.78
Total meeting expenses: $ 2020.63
Net meeting income: $959.37
Current Assets:
Checking account (11/28/2003): $ 4538.14.92
Annual net assets (Nov 2003): $ 5464.39
Survey - Informal Social Gathering of NCAC-SOT Members
at SOT Meeting in Baltimore by Rob Mitkus
Many of us are
familiar with regional chapters sponsoring and advertising a gathering of its members
at SOT each year, and why should we be any different! Indeed holding the 43rd Annual
Society of Toxicology Meeting in Baltimore, MD provides our regional chapter
members with a perfect opportunity to gather together in an informal and
relaxing atmosphere. As a result, the Executive Board has decided
to look into holding a lunch or dinner away from the Baltimore Convention
Center for NCAC members at SOT in March.
We would like to get an idea of the level of your interest, however,
before making any plans. If you would,
kindly email Rob Mitkus at rmitk001@umaryland.edu
by Jan. 31 to let him know if you would be interested in attending either a
lunch or a dinner at one of
Student Travel Awards for SOT Meeting in Baltimore
The NCAC-SOT offers full-time graduate students and post-doctorate students an opportunity to compete for the Bern Schwetz Student Travel Award (a cash award for the support of student travel to the annual SOT meeting). NCAC-SOT student members who are interested in submitting an application can consult the SOT website and/or contact Dr. Katherine Squibb for information.
NCAC-SOT Membership
Over the past year, membership in NCAC-SOT has increased substantially. In December 2002, there were a total of 56 members; in December 2003, the number had increased to 245 members. This is partly related to the fact that headquarters SOT maintains the membership records for its regional chapters. This method of doing business has several tangible benefits for NCAC-SOT and its members. SOT provides members with annual notification that membership fees are due in December, provides on-line renewal capabilities, takes secure credit card payments, and immediately deposits membership renewal fees into the NCAC-SOT checking account. Annual membership fees for NCAC-SOT are only $20 for regular memberships and $10 for full-time students. These negligible fees (which may be less than your weekly Starbucks budget!) are used to fund two fantastic symposia each year, and to support a myriad of student activities, including career enhancement programs and student awards. If you have not yet renewed your regional chapter membership, please do so today! If you already renewed your SOT membership and forgot to renew your NCAC-SOT membership at the same time, or if you are not a member of SOT, then contact Rosibel Alvarenga at Society of Toxicology, 1821 Michael Faraday Drive, Suite 300, Reston VA 20190, phone: 703-438-3115, e-mail: sothq@toxicology.org or rosibel@toxicology.org. It’s never too late to renew your NCAC-SOT membership for 2004!
2004 NCAC-SOT Symposium Schedule
Put these dates on your calendar now! The NCAC-SOT Spring Symposium will be held on June 8 and the Fall Symposium will be held on November 2 at the National Library of Medicine, Lister Hill Auditorium, Bethesda, MD. Topics for the meetings will be announced soon.
Student Day will be November 3rd this year.