Aerobiology in Biodefense is crucial to the Nation’s goal to develop and license medical countermeasures to protect against aerosol biological threats. The FDA amended its new drug and biological product regulations to allow appropriate studies in animals to provide substantial evidence of the effectiveness of new drug and biological products used to reduce or prevent the effects of the biological agents. The regulatory approval for products that protect both the warfighter and the general population from aerosol attacks using biological agents depends on the quality of the infrastructure and the human expertise required to conduct these highly specialized efficacy studies. At present there are both very few laboratories equipped to conduct these studies and only a hand full of people trained appropriately.

Previous Aerobiology in Biodefense meetings brought together all members of this burgeoning community (both those already working in the area and those who plan to in the near future) to discuss plans, data, form collaborations and discuss training opportunities.

Aerobiology in Biodefense IV, to be held 20 – 23 June 2011 at Virginia Crossings,, Richmond, Virginia, will allow a continuation of dialogue between the nation’s bioaerosol research community.

Topics include aerosol facilities, bioaccountability and biosecurity, aerosol science and technology, aerosol system design, bioaerosol characterization, standardization of aerosol systems, requirements for validation of aerosol systems, limitations of doing GLP studies in BSL-3 and 4 and FDA expectations, animal models, product efficacy studies, and aerosol drug delivery.

In addition, pre-conference workshops will be held. A basic workshop will introduce individuals new to the field to the essential elements of aerosol studies and discuss aerosol characterization, sampling and dosimetry. An Advanced workshop will delve into dose calibration with focus on exposure chamber design, particle sizing, sampling, and aerosol deposition.

Please note abstracts are due by February 15, 2011.

Workshop Information

Workshops will be held on Monday, June 20, 2011 before the start of the conference. To register for the workshop of your choice, please go to the attendee registration tab.

0830 – 1000–Cost $80
Workshop 1 – Concepts of Aerobiology (BASIC)
Essential Elements of Aerosol Studies: Aerosol Characterization, Sampling and Dosing

1000 – 1300–Cost $120
Workshop 2 – Dose Calibration (ADVANCED)
Particle Size Measurement and Sampling: Aerosol Deposition and Dosing , Chamber Design

For more information and registration, visit the Official Event Website.