03-7094. Defense Science Board; Notice of Meeting

AGENCY:

Department of Defense.

ACTION:

Notice of Advisory Committee meeting.

SUMMARY:

The Defense Science Board Task Force on the Smallpox Vaccine Down Select Process will in closed session on April 17, 2003, at SAIC, 4001 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA. The Task Force will perform an independent evaluation of the Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services smallpox vaccine candidates.

The mission of the Defense Science Board is to advise the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics on scientific and technical matters as they affect the perceived needs of the Department of Defense. At this meeting, the Task Force will evaluate each of the three smallpox vaccine candidates to include the following type of issues: Choice of cell line and viral strain used; preclinical data in appropriate animal models; review of vaccine production methodology to include rates of production and surge capacity; review of protocols for clinical trials to include adverse reaction rates; review of cost issues as they relate to production of the vaccine; review of critical regulatory, legal, and ethical issues associated with the use of the vaccine; and any other issues that the Task Force feels, based on its experience, are relevant.

In accordance with section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C. App. II), it has been determined that this Defense Science Board Task Force meeting concerns matters listed in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and that, accordingly, the meeting will be closed to the public.

Dated: March 19, 2003.

Patricia L. Toppings,

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.