Archive for category: News

U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) is accepting comments on a proposed monograph for testing the identity, concentration and purity of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086. As the first probiotic monograph with USP, this is a noteworthy development. USP press release. USP Food Ingredients.

ISAPP is signatory, along with other professional societies, on a letter requesting that the FDA retract its final guidance (issued September 2013) on when food and dietary supplement research must be conducted under and Investigational New Drug Application. A face-to-face meeting with the FDA was also requested. Letter. (See also ISAPP Latest News post on September 25, 2013 below).

An expert panel addressing proper use of the term “probiotic” was convened by ISAPP October 24, 2013 in London UK. The panel, chaired by Prof. Glenn Gibson, comprised 10 academic experts and ISAPP’s executive director. A fast-track manuscript indicating conclusions from the discussion is being prepared by the panelists. Although the panel agreed to continue endorsement of the FAO/WHO 2001 definition of probiotics, the manuscript will discuss how research and developments over the past 12 years since the definition was proposed impact today’s implementation of the word ‘probiotic’ by all stakeholders. The Panel

The Global Probiotics Council, a committee established in 2004 by DANONE Research and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., announced the 6th annual Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research. Three $50,000 annual grants will support new research on probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota in the United States. Young Investigators committed to basic research on gastrointestinal microbiota, probiotics and their role in health and wellness should apply (by February 12, 2013). Information.

The term “probiotic” will no longer be allowed on food labels in the EU starting December 14, 2012. EFSA has remained unconvinced that the strength of the science behind probiotic products meets their efficacy standards. Conferring a health benefit is imbedded in the term, “probiotic;” therefore, the term can only be used on products with an approved health benefit. NUTRAingredients article.

ISAPP sponsors speakers at first Probiotic Association of India conference in New Delhi. Report.

Webcast now available: “The New Microbiota & Probiotics Paradigm: from Mechanisms to Clinical Applications”, featuring the following lectures and Q&A:

• Stability and Disrupting the Microbiota, Patrick Schloss, PhD, University of Michigan
• Intestinal Dysbiosis as a Basis for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Stephen M. Collins, MBBS, FRCP(UK), FRCPC, McMaster University
• Restoring a Healthy Microbiota: What Tools Do We Have? R. Balfour Sartor, MD, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
  Sponsored by an educational grant from the Dannon Company, Inc. and Yakult Hosha Co., Ltd

Confusion at the Yogurt Aisle. Time for Probiotics 101. Story on National Public Radio, Morning Edition News.

National Public Radio interview with John Cryan, professor at University College Cork in Ireland, on study published in PNAS showing that Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviors in stressed mice.

The Institute of Medicine held a workshop February 22-23, 2012 on The Human Microbiome, Diet, and Health. Slides from this forum will be posted March 2 and a written summary of conclusions will be published.

The Dannon Company announces the Dannon Probiotics Fellow Program to support the education of a student who excels in science and shows a strong interest in probiotics studies. The winner receives a scholarship equivalent to one year’s tuition (up to $25,000, payable to the educational institution) and an all-expense paid trip to the Danone Research Center in France. Application deadline is March 31, 2012. Information.

The Global Probiotics Council has announced the fifth year of the Young Investigator Grant for Probiotics Research. The purpose of the two annual grants of $50,000 each is to contribute to the advancement of probiotics and gastrointestinal microbiota research in the United States, and to impact academic and career development of young investigators, attracting them into the field of probiotics and microbiota. Application deadline: February 15, 2012. Application procedures and additional details on the program can be found at www.probioticsresearch.com.