“It’s been several years since the last IPA workshop, and in that time both the science and the industry have advanced significantly,” George Paraskevakos, IPA’s executive eirector, told NutraIngredients. “The workshops have always been a forum to bring together all leaders and stakeholders of our industry including scientists and regulators to exchange ideas and align on priorities.
“With so many new developments, ranging from evolving regulatory frameworks to innovative applications of probiotics and next generation biotics, it was the right time to reinstate this event.”
The workshop will cover a range of key issues, including how to navigate the regulatory landscape in the new political era in North America, claims substantiation and enforcement actions, enumeration methods for regulatory compliance and more.
The IPA DC Workshop will take place on Sept. 25 at the Bethesda Marriott and brings together key industry stakeholders and federal regulators.
A wave of significant shifts
According to the event website: “2025 has already ushered in a wave of significant shifts across North America. From changes in political leadership in both Canada and the United States to the introduction of new tariffs disrupting business operations and supply chains, the landscape is rapidly transforming. Meanwhile, sweeping internal changes at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food & Drug Administration are reshaping the regulatory terrain in real time.”
For more information and to register, please click HERE.
“Since the last workshop, IPA’s mission has broadened to cover not only probiotics but also prebiotics, postbiotics, companion animal applications and categories that may be of interest looking into the future, like next gen biotics,” Paraskevakos said.
“This year’s program has been designed to reflect some of this expansion. Sessions will highlight subject matter in some of these categories, look at evolving regulatory considerations and commercial opportunities across these domains. Attendees can expect a more holistic perspective on the microbiome space.
“Finally we are intending the discussions link the interconnectedness of these biotic categories and their collective roles in advancing health solutions for humans and animals alike.”
Program highlights include:
Regulatory Landscape Updates (USA & Canada) with: Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner, U.S. FDA; Dr. Cara Welch, director of the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs, US. FDA; Michael Steller, unit head, Health Canada, and George Paraskevakos, executive director, IPA.
Companion animal session with Audrey Sue Lavoie, director of scientific, business, regulatory affairs, Paul Dick & Associates; Dr. Mark Hitt, veterinarian; Nicole Hill, vice president of strategy & innovation, MarketPlace Branding; Marc Tewey, CEO, ExeGi Pharma; and Dr. Paul Dick, founder & president, Paul Dick & Associates.
Claim Substantiation & Enforcement Actions with: Bob Durkin, partner & co-chair of the regulatory group, Amin Wasserman Gurnani; Dr. Kathy Musa-Veloso, senior director of health claims and clinical trials, Intertek; and Richard Cleland, former assistant director, Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
USP Updates with Dr. Binu Koshy, team lead and principal scientist of dietary supplements and herbal medicines, USP.
Enumeration Methods for Regulatory Compliance with Solange Henoud, vice president of regulatory and compliance, Lallemand Health Solutions; Jessica Younes, scientfic director, IPA; George Paraskevakos, executive director, IPA; and Andrzej Benkowski, senior technical manager, Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories.
Future of Biotics – Next-Gen Innovations with Amy Smith, technical sales director, Kerry ProActive Health; Bob Durkin, partner & co-Chair of the regulatory group, Amin Wasserman Gurnani; Richard Cleland, former assistant director, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Marc Tewey, CEO, ExeGi Pharma; and Jessica Younes, scientfic director, IPA.
