[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

We will introduce LONG PEPPER EXTRACT POWDER M, an ingredient that can be used to make two health claims under the Japanese Foods with Function Claims (FFC) system: "reducing swelling" and "improving cold sensitivity". 

It has been confirmed that this ingredient reduces swelling by stably maintaining the structure of capillaries and lymphatic vessels. 

In Korea, it will be marketed as a general food ingredient, but since swelling was newly added to the health claims in Korea in 2024, We think it is a very interesting topic.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Ms. Momoka Kajita from the International Sales Department of Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. will be the speaker for this seminar.

With a history dating back to 1938, Maruzen Pharmaceuticals has continuously pursued the potential of natural plants by identifying effective extraction methods and developing safe, high-quality functional ingredients.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

Longevity and healthy aging are at the forefront of innovation in the dietary supplement industry. In this captivating presentation, Dr. Grothe reveals how Mibelle Biochemistry is pioneering solutions to meet the growing demand for scientifically proven “healthy aging” concepts. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into advanced cellular and clinical testing models that validate efficacy and set new standards in the field. Dr. Grothe will showcase Mibelle Biochemistry’s ingredients MonaJuventa™ Nu, SaraPEPP™ Nu, and DracoBelle™ Nu, highlighting their anti-aging potential and role in next-generation nutraceuticals.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Dr. Torsten Grothe is the Head of Food & Health at Mibelle Biochemistry, Switzerland. With over 25 years of experience in the nutrition industry, Dr. Grothe specializes in the development and marketing of bioactive, sustainable food supplement ingredients. His strong expertise in biochemistry and botanicals enables him to drive innovation and deliver pioneering solutions for a wide range of categories.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

Scientific research on Clostridium butyricum S-45-5 and its major metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), has highlighted their potential as functional ingredients for gut health and metabolic health.

 Clostridium butyricum S-45-5 may contribute to the maintenance of a healthy intestinal environment through gut microbiota modulation and the production of beneficial metabolites. Among these metabolites, SCFAs play key roles in maintaining the intestinal environment, strengthening the gut barrier, and regulating inflammatory responses. In addition to their well-known relevance to gut health, Clostridium butyricum S-45-5 and SCFAs are increasingly recognized as important targets in metabolic health research, including blood glucose regulation, improvement of insulin resistance, and modulation of obesity and body fat accumulation.

 Based on this scientific background, SCFA 455, a functional ingredient derived from Clostridium butyricum S-45-5 and its metabolites, is being developed as a potential functional material for gut health and metabolic health. Preclinical research findings on SCFA 455 provide scientific evidence supporting the application of Clostridium butyricum- and metabolite-based materials in the development of food and health functional food ingredients.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

The research is based on expertise in molecular endocrinology, biochemistry, and microbiology, with a focus on optimizing microbial cultivation processes and investigating the functional properties of microbiome-derived ingredients through the Gut-Organ Axis. This includes functional evaluation studies related to various physiological activities, including gut health and metabolic health.

Academic Background: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs at Chonnam National University, conducting research on the redox regulation of PTEN and selenoproteins. This was followed by international collaborative research experience with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Current research focuses on Clostridium butyricum S-45-5 and its metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as functional microbiome-derived ingredients.

Industry Experience: Industry experience includes leading multiple industry-academia collaborative projects related to the development of natural product-based cosmetic ingredients, microbiome-derived functional ingredients, evaluation of efficacy in gut health and metabolic health, technology transfer, and the creation of intellectual property such as patents and publications. This experience covers an integrated R&D scope, from establishing scientific evidence for functional ingredients to developing regulatory approval strategies.​

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

This presentation explores the rapid growth of oral beauty and women's systemic wellness products across key APAC markets.

We will go through different sub-categories across life stages, and the consumer trends driving them.  

And we will examine how innovative nurtrition supplement formats  combined with emerging ingredients, are reshaping what modern women expect from daily nutrition.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Even Zhang has over 15 years of marketing experience across global, regional, and China markets, with 7+ years dedicated to the nutrition and wellness sector. She currently leads APAC product solutions at Sirio Pharma, driving triple-digit YoY sales growth in Q1 2026.

With deep expertise in consumer insights, product innovation, and go-to-market strategy,  Even brings a combination of strategic foresight and hands-on execution to the APAC wellness space.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

In this seminar, Newtree, a leader in Korea's health functional food industry, will introduce its exclusive, individually recognized ingredient: 'Fermented Rice Germ Powder.' Powered by its key active compound, GABA, this ingredient has recently secured additional recognition for 'skin health' alongside its proven efficacy in 'improving sleep quality.' It has firmly established itself as a powerful dual-functionality ingredient capable of addressing two major health concerns simultaneously. As consumer needs for sleep health and inner beauty converge in the domestic market, the value of safe, effective, and naturally derived premium ingredients is higher than ever. This session will highlight the scientific evidence behind its sleep and skin health benefits, showcase its distinct market competitiveness, and explore strategic partnership opportunities in the healthcare market.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Majored in Food Engineering and has been in charge of technical sales for health functional food ingredients at Newtree since 2021.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

1) Introduction to Morinaga Milk Industry’s Human-Residential Bifidobacteria (HRB)

2) Clinical Trials on Body Fat Reduction of B-3 (B.breve, Individually Approved Ingredient No. 2023-2)

3) Clinical Trials on Cognitive Function Improvement of B-3 (B.breve, Individually Approved Ingredient No. 2023-2)

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Dr. Izen Ri​ is a Senior Research Associate in the Functional Food Ingredients Division at Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Japan, and a member of the expert taskforce of the International Probiotics Association (IPA) China. He has over a decade of experience in probiotic research and has extensive expertise in both fundamental research and clinical trials on probiotics. His work focuses on elucidating the effect of probiotics and postbiotics on gut immunity, metabolic syndromes, and allergic responses in both adults and infants.​ 

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

Taste is one of the key factors influencing patient experience, product acceptance, and medication adherence. However, pharmaceutical formulators often face significant challenges when working with bitter or unpleasant-tasting active ingredients, particularly in oral dosage forms.

In this session, Shermaine Lee, APAC Pharma Segment Lead at dsm-firmenich, will introduce how dsm-firmenich’s Pharma Taste Collection and BitterBlockers™ technology can help address taste-related formulation challenges in pharmaceutical products. Through practical examples from oral solid and liquid dosage forms, the session will explore effective taste optimization strategies that improve patient experience, enhance product acceptance, and support better adherence outcomes.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Shermaine Lee is Associate Director, APAC Pharma Segment Lead at dsm-firmenich Health, Nutrition & Care, where she leads the pharmaceutical business strategy across Asia Pacific. With over 15 years of experience spanning pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and FMCG, she has also held regional and local leadership roles at Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health), Nestlé, and iNova Pharmaceuticals.

Throughout her career, Shermaine has managed regional portfolios across APAC, AMENA, and global markets, driving growth through innovation, portfolio strategy, go-to-market excellence, and customer partnerships. Her expertise spans pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, consumer health brands, and healthcare marketing, with a strong focus on translating market insights into commercial opportunities.

At CPHI Korea, Shermaine will share how dsm-firmenich's Pharma Taste Collection and BitterBlockers™ technology help pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies overcome taste-related formulation challenges. The session will explore strategies to improve patient experience, acceptance, and adherence through effective taste optimization, with practical examples from oral solid and liquid dosage forms.​

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

The dietary supplements market is evolving rapidly as consumers take a more proactive approach to health and wellbeing. Across global markets, growing concerns around healthy aging, preventive health, immunity, mental wellbeing, and quality of life are reshaping consumer expectations and influencing purchasing decisions.

In this session, Ng Hock Yam, APAC Dietary Supplements Segment Lead at dsm-firmenich, will share key insights from recent consumer research and global market trends. Drawing on perspectives from multiple markets across Asia Pacific and beyond, he will explore how consumer health concerns are changing across different life stages and how these shifts are creating new opportunities for innovation in the dietary supplements industry.

The session will examine the key consumer and market trends shaping the future of dietary supplements, and how these trends are supporting the growing focus on healthy longevity.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Ng Hock Yam is the Dietary Supplements Segment Lead for Asia Pacific (APAC) within the Health, Nutrition & Care business at dsm-firmenich.

With more than 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, he has built extensive expertise in sales and marketing through local, regional, and global roles at leading multinational companies including Nokia, McDonald's, and Nestlé. Throughout his career, he has developed strong customer-centric capabilities, developing and commercializing insights based growth strategy.

In his current role, Hock Yam leads growth and innovation strategies for the dietary supplements market across APAC. He works closely with customers to support business growth and product innovation through differentiated, science-based solutions that address evolving consumer and market needs.​

[Brief Introduction of Seminar]

The health and nutrition industry is entering a new phase of innovation, driven by the rise of GLP-1, growing awareness of women’s health needs across life stages, and increasing interest in healthy aging. As consumer needs continue to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for dietary supplements and nutrition solutions to be grounded in science and translated into meaningful health support.

In this session, Dr. Kai Lin Ek, Head of Scientific & External Affairs, APAC at dsm-firmenich, will share the latest nutrition science insights and innovation opportunities across three key areas: GLP-1, women’s health, and healthy aging. The presentation will explore emerging nutrition needs in the GLP-1 era and discuss how nutrition science can help shape solutions that respond to evolving health priorities.

The session will also highlight women’s health needs across different life stages and discuss targeted nutrition approaches to support these evolving needs. In addition, Dr. Ek will introduce scientific evidence related to healthy aging, including insights from the DO-HEALTH study, one of Europe’s largest healthy aging studies, and discuss how integrated nutrition solutions can support GLP-1, women’s health, and long-term wellbeing.

[Brief Introduction of Speaker]

Dr. Kai Lin EK is Head of Scientific and External Affairs APAC for Health, Nutrition & Care at dsm-firmenich. She has a Ph.D. in human nutrition and food science and a Master’s in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Sydney, Australia.

At dsm-firmenich, Kai Lin is responsible for providing science-based evidence for the health and nutrition portfolio and leads nutrition research collaborations in APAC. She works closely with the dsm-firmenich global expert team to bring scientific messages into regionally fit health claims and in advancing advocacy needs in Asia-Pacific.

Kai Lin has 18 years of experience in the field of human nutrition, starting as an accredited practicing dietitian in Sydney in primary health care, then as research manager at the Sydney University glycemic index services before moving to Singapore to work in the nutrition industry. She has a good understanding of conducting nutrition research in APAC having spearheaded and led a research grant program which studied nutritional topics relevant for Asian demographics and diets which she is replicating again with the dsm-firmenich Nutrition Research Grant program. She has also previously led a regulatory affairs team in APAC where she used her scientific expertise to help shape regulations in the region and support health claims.​