August 21, 2009
In
June 2009, the National
Toxicology Program (NTP) of the National Institute for
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) awarded its Public Health
Service Medallion to Frank Barile, Ph.D., a professor in the
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, for his
contributions to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Alternative
Toxicology Methods (SACATM)---a federal advisory committee that
evaluates methods to reduce or replace the use of animals in
scientific testing. A member of SACATM since 2006, Dr. Barile has
analyzed tests and protocols to validate these as effective
alternatives to animal testing.
SACATM members come from academia, state government, industry and
animal protection organizations and are selected by the Director of
NTP. Nominated for SACATM membership in 2005 by Rear Admiral
William S. Stokes,D.V.M., Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S.
Public Health Service, Dr. Barile’s stem cell research expertise
helps SACATM determine whether an alternative testing method will
be developed for commercial use.
Dr.
Barile says of working with SACATM, “I feel privileged to
contribute to the workings of a regulatory agency that influences
important legal decisions concerning scientific advances. The
committee’s comments and advice carry significant consequences. The
system has, and will continue to, promote validated tests for the
benefit of public health and animal welfare.”
In addition to bestowing on Dr. Barile the “Integrity, Leadership
and Service” medallion, NTP presented him with a certificate and
letter of appreciation from its Director, Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum.
Dr. Birnbaum thanked Dr. Barile for the “many hours spent preparing
for meetings and other activities, sacrificing private interests to
advise on planning and operation of the NTP and NIEHS
programs.”
Commenting on the national award, Dr. Barile says, “It is a
terrific honor….I was completely surprised, and it is fulfilling to
know that my contribution merited such recognition.”
Dr. Barile is the author of Clinical Toxicology: Principles and
Mechanisms. F.A. Barile, author; Taylor & Francis Group, U.K.,
CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL.; January 2004.
Learn more about
Dr. Barile’s research.
Learn more about the
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of
Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.