The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), has opened registration for executives with a stake in the medical food space to attend the “Medical Food Summit: An Industry Workshop,” on Thursday, Nov. 16, in Washington, D.C. Registration is limited to approximately 40 participants.
 
“As CRN is considering expanding its reach to include medical food, the association’s Board of Directors called for a thorough analysis of this vibrant and fast-growing category,” said Steve Mister, president and CEO, CRN. “This summit is the culmination of CRN’s exploration of the medical food landscape, convening stakeholders for an interactive session that will inform how we move forward.”
 
Timothy A. Morck, PhD, founder and president, Spectrum Nutrition LLC, formerly of Nestlé, is developing the agenda in collaboration with Duffy MacKay, N.D., senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN. The summit’s agenda will examine current FDA regulatory guidance on medical food and whether it is providing constructive parameters for the marketplace. It will explore whether there is consensus around what constitutes a “medical food” and how to make these products accessible to consumers with the proper medical supervision. It will serve as a venue for current and future manufacturers of medical foods—both those active in hospital-directed therapies and those seeking to expand current FDA interpretation of the statute—to share their perspectives. 
 
The workshop should also be of interest to dietary supplement and functional food companies as discussion will draw attention to the current climate for therapeutic nutrition products and expansion of the market for innovative, research-supported products containing nutrients and other food substances shown to be beneficial in nutritional management of patients with a disease.
 
Medical food, dietary supplement, and functional food company executives—including those focused in regulatory affairs, business and/or marketing product development, legal issues, and senior management are encouraged to attend. The Medical Food Summit hosted by CRN would also be appropriate for those with a potential interest in the category. 
 
Space is limited, so interested stakeholders are encouraged to register soon. Registration is $199. Additional details are available at: www.crnusa.org/medical-food-summit.