CRN held its inaugural “Innovation Exchange” Oct. 9, 2024, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the CONVERGENCE‘24 event.
- Hear from 2024 Innovation Exchange presenters from Verb Biotics and Balchem on the CRN Supplement Source podcast.
The 2024 lineup appears below. Read our 2024 press release announcing the inaugural event here.
Learn about the 2025 Innovation Exchange taking place Oct. 8, 2025 in St. Louis.
INTRODUCTIONS — Steering Committee member Susan Hazels Mitmesser, Ph.D., Pharmavite
2:40 – 3:10 | SuanNutra
Innovative Approaches to Sleep Health: The Science and Benefits of RelaxPLX
Presented by SuanNutra, Marcos López will discuss the company’s innovative solutions for sleep health, emphasizing the science supporting its key ingredient, RelaxPLX lemon verbena extract. Mr. López will share how the ingredient is backed by advanced research, the product development process, and specific opportunities and challenges within the sleep health sector.
3:10 – 3:35 | Verb Biotics
Transforming Mental Wellness: The Future of Biotics with AI/ML and GABA Probiotic, LP815™
Presented by Verb Biotics, Diane Alexander, Ph.D., and Camille Delebecque, Ph.D., will share how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are driving the transformative impact of biotics on mental wellness. They will focus on the innovative psychobiotic GABA Probiotic, LP815™, specifically designed to support mental health and backed by clinical trial results.
3:35 – 4 | Stratum Nutrition
CurQ+, a Next-Gen Curcumin Formulation to Support Joint and Bone Health
Presented by Stratum Nutrition, Karen Posey, Ph.D., will present compelling findings on Stratum’s curQ+®, a novel formulation of curcumin. This session will highlight how curQ+ supports cellular health in cartilage by promoting the normal cellular export processes. Dr. Posey will discuss the role of curQ+ in maintaining cartilage integrity and supporting bone growth through its effects on cellular function.
4:10 – 4:40 | FrieslandCampina
Lactoferrin's Role in Beauty from Within and Women's Health
Presented by FrieslandCampina, Urszula Kudla, Ph.D., will discuss emerging science supporting multiple health benefits of the functional ingredient lactoferrin. Dr. Kudla will provide an overview of lactoferrin’s role in iron absorption and in skin elasticity, texture, and moisture, with opportunities for innovation in beauty from within and women’s health product formulation.
4:40 – 5:10 | Brassica Protection Products
Next Gen of Supplementation from Broccoli
Presented by Brassica Protection Products’ (BPP) nutritional biochemist Jed W. Fahey, Sc.D., recently retired Johns Hopkins Medical School faculty member. He will share his excitement about the development of BPP’s newest market entry, a glucoraphanin-rich broccoli seed extract offering enhanced bioavailability. He’ll discuss benefits of the novel, standardized extract, co-delivered with a stable and potent source of myrosinase.
5:10 – 5:40 | Anderson Active Ingredients
Sugar Reduction with Allulose—The Holy Grail of Sugar Replacement
Presented by Anderson Advanced Ingredients, Richard J. Johnson, M.D., will share evidence supporting allulose as the ideal sugar replacement, discussing mechanisms of action and key clinical findings. He’ll cover allulose in relation to GLP-1 and as a calorie restriction memetic and exercise and anti-aging mimetic.
5:40 – 6:10 | Balchem Human Nutrition & Health
Prenatal Nutrition Innovation: How Balchem's Portfolio Supports Mom and Baby
Presented by Balchem, Eric Ciappio, Ph.D., and Lauren Eisen will highlight the latest advancements in prenatal nutrition. featuring cutting-edge, research-backed ingredients including unique forms of iron, choline, and folate. These innovative ingredients offer benefits including superior bioavailability, enhanced tolerability, and lasting health benefits for advancing prenatal nutrition and supporting the health of future generations.
CLOSING