Beyond The Headlines: NPA wins legal battle against FDA, PanTheryx debuts gut health supplement for GLP-1 users

This week in industry news, the Natural Products Association (NPA) won a significant court ruling against the FDA, halting its retroactive enforcement against nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements, a move praised by NPA president Daniel Fabricant as a victory for industry and consumer rights. Meanwhile, PanTheryx launched Relesium, a supplement aimed at mitigating gut issues associated with popular GLP-1 medications. Newcomer Cachorrisimo entered the pet food market with a line inspired by Hispanic culinary traditions, appealing to culturally conscious pet owners.

Regulatory news

In the US, NPA scored a major win against the FDA as a federal court ruled in its favor, ordering the FDA to stop applying the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act retroactively to NMN, which has grown in popularity as a healthy aging supplement. This decision prevents the FDA from taking punitive actions against NMN products. NPA president and CEO Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., hailed the ruling as a “monumental victory” for both the industry and consumers, criticizing the FDA for “exceeding its authority” and undermining the New Dietary Ingredient Notification process. He criticized the administration for “constantly seeking additional authorities that they don’t need.” In a citizen petition on March 7, 2023, the NPA asked the FDA to confirm NMN’s status as a dietary supplement, but the agency responded that it had not yet decided due to “competing agency priorities” and was still reviewing the petition. This was the third time the NPA pursued regulatory clarity through this path. NPA has also filed citizen petitions against the FDA on NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteïne) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Business updates and product launches

Nutrition and biotech company PanTheryx launched Relesium, a patented, all-natural supplement formulated to address pervasive gut-related side effects of GLP-1 medications, including popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other Semaglutides and Tirzepatides. Relesium combines the scientifically backed benefits of chicken egg powder and bovine colostrum to address digestive discomfort, such as nausea, acid reflux, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, experienced by a substantial portion of GLP-1 users worldwide. With rising GLP-1 use for weight loss, diabetes and other health conditions, PanTheryx reports one in eight US citizens now rely on these drugs, with up to 50% of GLP-1 patients reporting mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects.

Cachorrisimo, a new dog food brand founded by Diego Rondon and inspired by his dog Milo, has launched its brand blending pet nutrition with Hispanic cultural traditions and flavors. Cachorrisimo provides dog food made from “high-quality ingredients, free from fillers and artificial additives.” The brand aims to resonate with second- and third-generation Hispanic families by reflecting the flavors and values of traditional Latino kitchens. Its products include a chicken and brown rice blend alongside a grain-free chicken and pea recipe.

Arzeda, an industrial protein design company co-founded in 2009 by Nobel laureate and University of Washington School of Medicine biochemistry professor David Baker, announced a major production milestone in delivering protein-designed innovations to the market at scale. Arzeda has surpassed 10 tons of production for its ProSweet RebM stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. This achievement is equivalent to replacing 3,000 tons of sugar or providing 750 million servings. Arzeda is now expanding production to meet increasing global demand.

Scientific research

Families in the US purchased more school lunches and breakfasts the year after the federal government toughened nutritional standards for school meals, according to a new University of California, Davis, study. The analysis suggests families turned to school lunches after the Obama administration initiative was in effect to save time and money and take advantage of more nutritious options. Researchers looked at the purchasing habits of nearly 8,000 US households over two years — one year before and after the change in standards. The results have important implications for policymakers and researchers, but also food manufacturers and retailers, researchers said. The study, “Groceries or School Cafeterias: How Households Respond to Nutrition Mandates,” was published in September in the Journal of Marketing Research.

In a collective call to action, leading food, health and children’s advocacy groups, along with experts and royal medical colleges including Sustain, Food Foundation, Obesity Health Alliance, British Heart Foundation, Bite Back, Diabetes UK and the Royal Society for Public Health have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting to go “faster and further” in accelerating financial incentives to create a healthier food industry. The letter, sent as part of the “Recipe for Change” campaign, coincides with new polling data YouGov, which found 74% of adults believe that companies are not honest about the health impacts of their food, with only 17% of the public trusting them to be honest. Meanwhile, 68% support an expansion of the sugary drinks tax to other unhealthy foods, if the money supported children’s food and health initiatives.

Balchem, a manufacturer of specialty ingredients for human nutrition and health, conducted new consumer research which reveals strong purchase interest in its Vital Trio concept. This 3-in-1 formula combines K2vital Delta — the only patented, double microencapsulated, typically 99.7% all-trans vitamin K2 MK-7 ingredient — with Albion Minerals chelated magnesium bisglycinate and vitamin D3 for immune, cardiovascular and bone health. The results indicate a positive sentiment, with 74% of respondents stating that the Vital Trio “addresses unmet needs by providing a convenient way to promote holistic well-being.”