Response letter from the Secretary

June 18, 2007

Samuel J. Tildsn, MD.
Chair,
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections
Research Compliance Officer and Professor of Pediatrics
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1530 Third Avenue South, AB880
Birmingham, AL 35294-0108

Dear Dr. Tilden:

I am writing to extend my appreciation to you and the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections for your recent recommendations.

The Committee clearly has given substantial thought to the implementation of the Department of Health and Human Services protection of human subjects regulations at 45 CFR part 46, subpart A, the Basic Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects. The Department welcomes the Committee's observations on this important topic and, as usual, will give serious consideration to the Committee's recommendations. Thank to you and the Committee for your dedication and commitment to the protection of human research subjects.

Sincerely,

/s/

Michael O. Leavitt