Conference Day One
Wednesday, June 11

7:45 am Check-In & Light Breakfast

8:45 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

  • Douglas Burrin Research Physiologist, USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center & Professor Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA-ARS

Identifying the Opportunities for New Bioactive Ingredients

9:00 am Exploring the Complexities of Human Breast Milk Components & Their Mechanisms of Action to Identify Core R&D Priorities

Synopsis

  • Presenting the latest research on the understanding of human breast milk components
  • Exploring how breast milk develops as the baby’s needs evolve with growth
  • Elucidating the mechanisms of action of different components to inform key discovery and development decisions

9:30 am Demonstrating the Real-World Evidence of Innovative Infant Formulas

  • Elieke Kearns Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs, Kabrita USA

Synopsis

  • Exploring case studies incorporating novel ingredients in infant formulas
  • Reflecting on consumer adoption trends to inform the next generation of innovation
  • Combining scientific and regulatory excellence to diversify infant formulas and stabilize supply chains

10:00 am Roundtable Discussion: Sharing the Priorities & Most Promising Opportunities for Bioactive Ingredients for Advancing Infant Formula

  • Cindy Barber Vice President, Regulatory, Scientific, & Clinical Affairs, Munchkin Inc.

Synopsis

  • Examining the current landscape of approved HMOs
  • Discussing other bioactive ingredients in development where there’s potential for real-world application
  • Highlighting how infant formula manufacturers evaluate future ingredient innovation

10:45 am Morning Break & Speed Networking

Synopsis

Our famous speed networking is the ideal opportunity to get face-to-face time with many of the brightest minds working in infant formula development and regulatory approval and introduce yourself to the attendees you would like to have more in-depth conversations with. Benchmark against industry leaders and establish meaningful relationships to pursue for the rest of the conference and beyond.

Advancing Ingredient Innovation from Discovery to Preclinical Development

11:45 am Improving the Selection & Usage of Animal Models to Generate High Quality Data

  • Douglas Burrin Research Physiologist, USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center & Professor Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA-ARS

Synopsis

  • Evaluating the use of piglets given consumer expectations and labeling limitations
  • Addressing the growing ethical pushback against animal testing
  • Harmonizing validated cell-based assays that are fit for purpose to ensure standardized results

12:15 pm Roundtable Discussion: Examining the Concept of Bioactive Ingredients & How This Translates to Safety Evaluations

Synopsis

  • Discussing the existing risk assessment frameworks in the US, Europe and elsewhere
  • Evaluating the meaning of bioactive ingredients and their application in infant formula
  • Engaging on dossier compilation strategies

1:00 pm Networking Lunch

2:00 pm Understanding Parameters & Goals for Bioactivity Testing & Bioassay Development for Newer Ingredients

  • Pankaj Arora Immune Research Scientist, Arla Foods Ingredients GmbH

Synopsis

  • Overcoming the lack of understanding of mechanisms of actions of bioactive ingredients in preclinical development
  • Exploring how to effectively measure protein bioavailability in vitro
  • Ensuring compatibility with various bioactive ingredients

2:30 pm Human Milk Probiotic: An Opportunity to Support Premature Infants by Microbiota Modulation

Synopsis

  • Reviewing the main benefits of probiotic bacteria in human milk
  • Presenting clinical data that demonstrated the possible mechanisms involved in infection protection and gut health
  • Benefits of Human Milk Probiotic in premature: modulation of microbiota and description of health benefits for premature infants

3:00 pm Sharing Preclinical Updates to Improve the Bioavailability of Bioactive Ingredients

Synopsis

  • Developing and producing lipid delivery systems of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids designed to improve the bioavailability of these two bioactive fatty acids
  • Generating high-quality preclinical data to illustrate this improved bioavailability
  • Sharing a snapshot of early clinical data

3:30 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks

  • Douglas Burrin Research Physiologist, USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center & Professor Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, USDA-ARS

3:45 pm End of Conference Day One