Global Engage is pleased to announce the 12th Microbiome, Probiotics & Prebiotics R&D and Business Collaboration Forum, which is confirmed to beheld on October 17-18 in San Diego at the La Jolla Marriott and co-located with the 6th Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals Congress.
This world-renowned event which attracted 265 industry, academic, and investment leaders last year, enables the discussion of the most scientific cuttingedge microbiome, probiotics and skin-based research; the challenges and opportunities in translating research towards commercialisation, and partnerships
and collaborations that secure investment. With 3 conferences and 8 tracks focusing on the topics below, there is ample content to learn from top scientists,
network and broaden your connections and should you wish showcase your work in the poster presentation sessions or get involved in the interactive panel
and roundtable discussions.
Conference Session Schedule
12th Microbiome, Probiotics & Prebiotics R&D & Business Collaboration Forum

Day 1
Day 2

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6th Skin Microbiome &Cosmeceuticals Congress

Track 1

Track 2

Track 3

Track 4

Gut Microbiota for Health & Disease&
Drug Development
Investment, Regulations &Manufacture

Gut-Brain Axis

Infant Health, HMO & Nutrition

Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals

Women’s Health & Urobiome

Probiotics, Personalised Nutrition& Cardiometabolic Diseases

Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals

75 strong senior level speaker faculty
Expert-led roundtables and interactive panel sessions
Two 50-minute start-up flash presentation sessions
Unique academic and industry joint focus
Over 7 hours of networking time
A fantastic reputation as the number one microbiome scientific & networking event.

12th Microbiome, Probiotics & Prebiotics R&D and Business Collaboration ForumSponsors 2024
PlatinumGold

SilverExhibitors / Content Sponsors

12th Microbiome, Probiotics & Prebiotics R&D and Business Collaboration Forum
Speakers 2024
Gut Health & Disease• Alan Murray, CEO, Various Food and Beverage
Companies• Amir Zarrinpar, Associate Professor, Division of
Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego• Braden Tierney, Instructor, Weill Cornell Medical College/Harvard Medical School• Carlotta Ronda, Principal Investigator, Innovative
Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley• Cassandra Isley, Chief Executive Officer, Microbiome
Alliance for Disease Prevention• Cristina Llorente, Assistant Professor, Div.
Gastroenterology, Dept. Medicine, UC San Diego• Denise Kelly, Investment Advisor, Seventure Partners• Jan Claesen, Assistant Professor, Department of
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic
Lerner College of Medicine (Track Chair)• Ren-Hau Lai, Director of Innovation and ProductDevelopment, Athletic Greens (Track Chair)• Xin Zhou, Research Scientist, Snyder Lab, Stanford
Gut Brain Axis
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Alexandra Castillo-Ruiz, Assistant Professor, Michigan
State University
Bharat Dixit, Chief Technology Officer, Adiso
Therapeutics
Haydeh Payami, Professor of Neurology and Genomics,
Strain Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease, Universityof Alabama at Birmingham
James Morton, Consultant, Simons Foundation
Jun Sun, Professor/Associate Head, Department ofMedicine, University of Illinois Chicago
Noelle Patno, Chief Scientific Officer, Bened Life
Robert Yolken, Professor of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins(Reserved)
Stewart Campbell, CEO, SVP R&D, Axial Therapeutics(Reserved)

Investment, Regulation and Manufacture• Bharat Dixit, Chief Technology Officer, Adiso
Therapeutics• Paul Carlson, Principal Investigator, CBER, FDA• Ryan Garrett, Head of Process Development, Vedanta• Sathya Janardhanan, VP, Manufacturing, Rise
Therapeutics• Laurie Rey, Head of CDMO Business Development,
Lallemand• Senior Representative, Biose

Infant Health, HMO & Nutrition• Amber Teufel, Global Baby, Feminine, and Family Care
R&D Group Head/Microbiologist, Procter & Gamble• Cecile Vernochet,, Discovery Project Lead, Gates
Medical Research Institute• David A. Mills, Distinguished Professor, Peter J. Shields
Endowed Chair in Dairy Food Science, Department ofFood Science and Technology, University of CaliforniaDavis• Kimberley Sukhum, Head of Science, Tiny Health• Leila Strikland, CEO & Co-Founder, BIOMILK• Noel Muller, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (Track Chair)• Pedro J. Torres, Principal Scientist, Computational
Biology and Data Science, Persephone Biosciences• Stephanie Fraley, Associate Professor, Shu Chien-GeneLay Dept of Bioengineering, UCSD
Women’s Health & Urobiome• Alex Sakatos, Co-Founder & CEO, Ancilia Biosciences• Amanda L. Lewis, Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology,
and Reproductive Sciences, UCSD
• Craig R. Cohen, Professor, Department of Obstetrics,
Gynaecology & Reproductive Sciences, University ofCalifornia San Francisco• Hana Janebdar, Co-Founder & CEO, Juno Bio• Krystal Thomas-White, Senior Scientist, Evvy
• Laura Sycuro, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary• Oliver Worsley CEO & Co-Founder, Sequential(reserved)• Rebecca Vongsa, Technical Leader, Life Sciences,
Kimberly Clark Corporation
Probiotics & Personalized Nutrition• Amy Smith, Director, Global Regulatory Affairs - Health,
IFF• Aubrey Levitt, CEO, Postbiotics Plus Research LLC• Jason Bush, Chief Scientific Officer, Solnul• Johanna Maukonen, Director, Global Clinical Innovation& Translation, IFF• Jonathan Scheiman, Founder & CEO, FitBiomics• Mark Haupt, Chief Medical Officer, IFF (Reserved)• Michael Hartman, Plexus Worldwide (Track Chair)• Noah Zimmerman, Chief Technology Officer, Verb Biotics• Se Jin Song, Director of Research, Applications for
Microbiome Innovation, UCSD
• Zac Lewis, Principal, Lewpine Consulting

Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals
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Andrea Nardelli, Post-Doctoral Fellow McMaster
University- Farncombe Family Digestive HealthResearch InstituteAngela Christiano, Professor of Genetics &Development, Columbia University
Bradley Ringeisen, Executive Director, Innovative
Genomics Institute (IGI)
Brent Ridge co-founder, Beekman1802
Cheri Ackerman, Co-Founder & CEO, Concerto
Biosciences
Eric (Chun Ming) Huang, Professor, Arizona State
University, USA
Jennifer Cookson, Senior Director of Development
ArcaeaJessica O’Connell, Partner, Covington & Burling
LLP
Josh Parris, Senior Scientist, Life Sciences,
Kimberly Clark Corporation
Julia Durack, VP of R&PD, Symbiome; Director,
Holobiont Medical Research Foundation
Kera Nyemb-Diop, Lead Nutritionist. Fonterra
Lada Rasochova, CEO, Dermala
Natalise Robinson, Co-Founder, Parallel HealthNicole Scott, Founder & CEO, Cybele
Ping Hu, R&D Director, Principal Scientist,
Research & Development, Procter & Gamble(Reserved)
Robert Brucker, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific
Officer, Dermbiont (Reserved)
Sam Samaras, Global Vice President Science andTechnology, Global Vice President Clinicals,
Unilever (Reserved)
Senior Representative, AO Biome (Reserved)
Tiina Orasmäe-Meder, CEO and founder, Meder by
Dr Tiina Meder
Xin Zhou, Postdoctoral Fellow, Snyder Lab,
Stanford12th Microbiome, Probiotics & Prebiotics R&D and Business Collaboration ForumDay One – Thursday October 17 – San Diego
12th Microbiome & Probiotics R&D & Business Collaboration Forum

6th Skin & Cosmeceuticals Congress

8:50

Global Engage - Welcome address and track chair opening remarks

9:00
9:45

Keynote Address:
The milk-enriched infant gut microbiome drives functional capacity during both breast feeding and weaning

9:45
10.20

Milk directs the enrichment of the neonatal gut microbiome, an assembled “organ” with important consequences on host health. A prominent feature of humanmilk is an array of glycans that enrich a protective microbiota often dominated by bifidobacteria. This milk-enriched gut microbiome naturally transforms upon
the consumption of solid foods resulting in a rearrangement of gut taxa and associated functions. Recently, we have identified how specific milk glycans induce
expression of genes that promote growth on plant polysaccharides among select bifidobacteria, suggesting that milk also prepares gut taxa for the weaningtransition. Moreover, advances in new glycomics tools and databases, including the Davis Food Glycopedia, are increasing our understanding of complex
polysaccharides in weaning foods and their catabolism by the infant gut microbiota. Analysis of these natural process will shed light on dietary and probiotic
tools to promote a protective gut microbiota for at-risk neonates from birth through weaning.

Confirmed:
David A. Mills, Distinguished Professor, Peter J. Shields Endowed Chair in Dairy Food Science, Department of Food Science andTechnology, University of California-Davis
Keynote Address:
Changing the landscape of Parkinson’s disease
90 disease-associated genes and numerous well-established environmental risk factors could not explain PD. First emerging in 2015,
microbiome studies have since shed new lights on the PD landscape, unearthed new players in PD pathogenesis, and provided new targets
for treatment.

Confirmed:
Haydeh Payami, Professor of Neurology and Genomics, Strain Endowed Chair in Parkinson’s Disease, University of Alabama at
Birmingham
10:20
10:50

30-Minute Solution Provider Presentation

Reserved:
Sam Samaras, Global Vice President
Science and Technology, Global Vice
President Clinicals, UnileverExpanding the population demographic in
microbiome studies challenges ourprevailing concepts of a healthy adultskin microbiome.
•
The importance of improving
understanding of skin microbiomes
from around the globe•
Lessons from broadening the
population demographic in
microbiome studies•
Applying these findings to facilitate
product development.
Confirmed:
Julia Durack, VP of R&PD, Symbiome;
Director, Holobiont Medical Research
Foundation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)

10:50
11:40

Morning Refreshments
Poster Presentations
One-to-One Partnering Meetings
Theme:

Gut Microbiota for Health & Disease
11:40
12:05

Global Engage - Welcome address andtrack chair opening remarks
Skin Microbiome Case Study

Gut Health & Disease Case Study
Confirmed:
Amir Zarrinpar, Associate Professor,
Division of Gastroenterology, Universityof California, San Diego

Theme:
Gut-Brain Axis
Gut-Brain Axis Case Study
Reserved:
Robert Yolken, Professor of Pediatrics,
Johns Hopkins

Theme:

Infant Health, HMO & Nutrition
Bifidobacterium longum ssp infantis to
Support Weight Gain in Underweight
Infants in the LMIC Setting
Undernutrition claims over 3 million children
annually, with 45% of under-5 deaths
attributed to it, mostly in LMICs (WHO,2021). Gut microbiome changes are linked to

Theme:
Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals
Advances in a microbial ensemble foratopic dermatitis•
Concerto used its proprietary kChip
technology to map the skin microbe
interactome and identify Ensemble
No.2 (ENS-002), a microbial
ensemble that prevents thechildhood malnutrition and intestinal
inflammation risk (Kane 2015). A healthy
infant gut, rich in Lactobacillus andBifidobacterium, supports vital functions likeimmune system development and resistanceto pathogens. Gates MRI is conducting
clinical trials investigating the potential of
Bifidobacterium longum ssp infantis probiotic
products to support weight gain in infants
being treated for severe acutemalnutrition. In addition, we are comparing
mechanism of action and efficacy inpreclinical models of commercial B.infantis
probiotic strains.

12:05
12:30

Leveraging multi-omic data science tobuild the next-generation of microbialbased therapies
The next generation of microbial therapeutics (e.g.,
probiotics) will look nothing like what we see on
shelves now. Generally, the organisms used intherapy development have been limited to a tiny
window of the tree of life, comprising easily
cultured and well-characterized species, withlimited consideration for strain-level variation. The
perhaps “best” strains for treating a given
phenotype were either not known or not practicalfrom a productization cost standpoint. However,three simultaneous advances will in the next
decade flip this paradigm, allowing for the creationof functionally-driven, strain-specific microbial
therapeutics. These are 1) multi-omic data science(e.g., DNA sequencing and metabolomics at
massive scale), 2) high-throughput, high-volume
culturomics, and 3) increasingly large humanclinical cohorts with paired microbiome sequencing
information. The union of these tools will enable
the commercialization of microbial therapies thatare directly built based on their relationship to
specific human diseases and subpopulations.
Here, I will discuss where to look for bellwethers inacademic research signaling these advances, bothin my work and the broader field, with an emphasison the complex interplay between diet and gut
microbiome interactions.

Confirmed:
Braden Tierney, Instructor, Weill Cornell
Medical College /Harvard Medical School

The maternal microbiota programs brain
development in mice: a potential role forbacterial metabolites
Mammals experience a massive colonization
by microorganisms at birth. We previously
reported that germ-free (GF) newborn mice
have altered brain development, including
increased cell death in the hypothalamus. To
test whether these effects are due topostnatal microbial exposure, or
programmed in utero by the maternal
microbiota, we cross-fostered GF newborns
immediately after birth to conventionallycolonized (CC) mothers, and collected theirbrains a week later. Interestingly, the GF
brain phenotype largely persisted despite anormal microbiota, suggesting programing
effects of the maternal microbiota. To probe
for mechanism, we treated pregnant CC
mice with bacterial metabolites and collected
offspring during the first three days postnatal.
We found that treatment reduced cell deathin the hypothalamus. Thus, maternal
bacterial metabolites may be importantneurodevelopmental agents.

Confirmed:
Alexandra Castillo-Ruiz, AssistantProfessor, Michigan State University••

bacterium S. aureus fromovergrowing and secreting toxins,
an underlying cause of atopic
dermatitis.
Learn about the kChip discovery
technology that reveals theecological underpinnings of the
microbiome, thereby enabling thedesign of defined microbe-based
interventions to benefit humanhealth.
Hear the latest update on ENS002's manufacturing and first-inhuman dose escalation trial.

Confirmed:
Cecile Vernochet,, Discovery ProjectLead, Gates Medical Research Institute
Tracking probiotic strains across theinfant and child gut microbiome•
The first 1,000 days of life are
critical for immune training. Infants
with gut microbiome imbalances areat elevated risk of atopic disease
including eczema and foodallergies. Early action can shift
microbiome composition and lower
disease risk. The Tiny Health gut
microbiome test empowers parents
to take those early actions throughpersonalized recommendations.
•
The new Tiny Health Strain Tracker
can track probiotic straincolonization and efficacy inremodeling the infant gut,
characterize strain transfer frommother to infant, identify strain
sharing between family members,
and validate probiotic formulations
at the strain level.
•
This tool has enabled us tocharacterize probiotic strain
presence across a width breadth ofsamples including unique disease
conditions, diet, and other variables.
We envision a future in which
personalized gut microbiome care isthe clinical standard.

Confirmed:
Cheri Ackerman, Co-Founder & CEO,
Concerto Biosciences
Skin Microbiome Case Study

Confirmed:
Kimberley Sukhum, Head of Science, Tiny
HealthConfirmed:
Kera Nyemb-Diop, Lead Nutritionist,
Fonterra

12:301.00

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

15-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)

15-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation
1:00
2.00
2:00
2.30
2.30
2.55

Lunch
One-to-One Partnering Meetings

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
Longitudinal profiling of the microbiomeat four body sites reveals core stability
and individualized dynamics during healthand disease•
Human microbiomes from different
body sites are highly individualized
and stable over time.
•
Coordinated microbial dynamics
between body sites are observed in
response to disease•
Besides Gut microbiome, Skin
microbial composition and stability
are also altered with insulin
resistance(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
Trials To Testimonials: A Probiotic for
AutismMultiple trials have demonstrated thatprobiotic PS128 benefits Autistic children, butwhat about Autistic adults? Through threerandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
trials and one real world study,
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PS128
addressed anxiety and other behaviors in
autistic children, enrolling people younger
than 20. This talk will review the evidence of
how PS128 provides benefits in autism andshow lessons learned from the field throughanalysis of customers’ satisfaction with the
product containing PS128.

Confirmed:
Xin Zhou, Research Scientist, Snyder Lab,
Stanford

Confirmed:
Noelle Patno, Chief Scientific Officer,
Bened Life(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
My Baby Biome Study: A Data-Driven
Approach to Infant Probiotic Development
The infant microbiome plays a crucial role inestablishing a healthy host-microbiome
relationship. Recent research has identified acritical window in early-life (the first 3
months) where gut microbial dysbiosis has
the most impact on human immune
development. Existing infant microbiome
datasets lack comprehensive multi-omics
analysis and sufficient racial and ethnic
diversity for population-wide biomarker
discovery. Persephone Biosciences
addressed this gap through the My Baby
Biome (MBB) study, enrolled ~700 infants up
to the age of 3 months across the U.S,
representative of US birth and feeding
modes Using shotgun metagenomic
sequencing and metabolomics, we identified
three microbiome compositional clusters. A
healthy cluster was distinguished by high
Bifidobacterium levels and association withspecific anti-inflammatory metabolites.
Further exploration of MBB isolated strains
and commercial strains in ex-vivo gut
environments revealed their impact on
microbial composition and function. Thesefindings provide a data-driven approach toinfant probiotic development.
Confirmed:
Pedro J. Torres, Principal Scientist,
Computational Biology and Data
Science,Persephone Biosciences30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
Please attend presentation in Room 1

2.55
3.20

Session One - Cross-Event Poster
Presentation Flash Presentations&
Start-Up Showcase Presentations

Poster presenters and start-up companies
will be provided with the opportunity to give aflash 3-minute overview of their work.

3.20
3.45

Microbiome and metabolite regulate theprogression of ALS through the gut-brain
axis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is aneurodegenerative disorder. Despite extensive
studies, it remains challenging to treat ALS.
Recent ALS studies have shown dysbiosis iscorrelated with intestinal inflammation andchange of intestinal integrity in ALS. The novel
concepts and the roles of microbiome andmicrobial metabolites through the gutmicrobiome-neuron axis in ALS pathogenesis
have been slowly recognized by the neurology
research field. Here, we will discuss our new
data and understanding of microbial
metabolites in reducing TDP43 aggregation andinflammation in ALS. We propose that themechanistic and translational studies that shift
from suspension of disbelief to cogent
ingenuity, and from bench study to bed-side
application, should allow new strategies ofdiagnosis and treatment for ALS.

Confirmed:
Jun Sun, Professor/Associate Head,
Department of Medicine, University of
Illinois Chicago
Role of the Immune T Regulatory Cells in
Mood Disorders and Alzheimer’s Disease
Phenotype as a therapeutic target in
Altered Gut-brain Axis cross-talking
The role of the gut-brain axis in the onset andprogression of degenerative conditions, including
Alzheimer’s disease, will be discussed. In
particular, the implication of the causative role ofT-regulatory cells mediated influence on adaptive
immunity in the gut-brain axis communication.
Discussion of strategies to intervene in the brain
degenerative progression by targeting selected Tregulatory mediated mechanisms to mitigate
abnormal brain permeability and diseaseprogression in response to stress-induced mood/
psychological impairment associated with theonset of Alzheimer’s disease phenotype.
Discussion of novel strategies to move frompreclinical observations to the clinical setting.

Confirmed:
Giulio M Pasinetti, The Saunders Family
Chair in Neurology, Professor in
Neurology, Professor of Psychiatry,
Professor of Geriatric and Adult
Development Director, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai and JJ Peters
Bronx VA Medical Center

Cross-Event Roundtables - Session One
Roundtables are informal, small-group interactive
discussions on key topics in the field. Discussion leaders
will introduce sub-topics/questions for discussion androundtable attendees are encouraged to participate
actively in the session.

Roundtable 1 – Probiotics Claims and IP
Confirmed:
Jessica O’Connell, Partner, Covington &Burling LLP
Roundtable 2 - The challenge of probiotic
product development and the future
Confirmed:
Ren-Hau Lai, Director of Innovation and
Product Development, Athletic GreensRoundtable 3 – Antibiotics and Infant
healthConfirmed:
Stephanie Fraley, Associate Professor
Shu Chien-Gene Lay Dept of
Bioengineering, UCSD
Roundtable 4 – New discoveries
leveraging at-home microbiome profilingand probiotic strain tracking via shotgun
metagenomics
Probiotic companies often have formulations
that combine multiple strains and while someindividual strains are clinically backed,
companies often have challenges generating
robust clinical data at the formulation level tosupport product health claims. Shotgun
sequencing presents a more accessible andreliable way for end consumers, nutrition
companies and researchers to detect
potential colonization and functional effects
from these probiotic supplements. These
effects are much more pronounced in theinfant probiotic space where the infant gut ismore uniquely adapted to colonize
bifidobacterium probiotics. We will discuss
how these approaches can help the industry
advance forward with better observationaland clinical evidence
Confirmed:
Cheryl Sew Hoy, CEO & Founder, Tiny
HealthPanel discussion – Paving the way toclinical validity and improving healthoutcomes in the microbiome industry
Chair
Confirmed
Natalise Robinson, Co-Founder, Parallel
HealthPanellist
Confirmed:
Tiina Meder, CEO & Founder, Meder
BeautyBradley Ringeisen, Executive Director,
Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI)
Lada Rasochova, CEO, Dermala

3.45
–
4.35
4.35
–
5.05
5.05
–
5.30

Afternoon refreshments
One-to-One Partnering Meetings
Odd-Numbered Poster Presentations

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
Targeted microbiome engineering•
In vivo Microbiome Engineering•
Human-Microbiome interactions•
Microbiome-based Therapeutics

Confirmed:
Carlotta Ronda, Principal Investigator,
Innovative Genomics Institute at UC
Berkeley

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
Multi-level analysis of the gut–brain axis
shows autism spectrum disorderassociated molecular and microbial
profilesAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is aneurodevelopmental disorder characterized
by heterogeneous cognitive, behavioral andcommunication impairments. Disruption of
the gut–brain axis (GBA) has been
implicated in ASD although with limited
reproducibility across studies. Here, wedeveloped a Bayesian differential ranking
algorithm to identify ASD-associatedmolecular and taxa profiles across 10 crosssectional microbiome datasets and 15 otherdatasets, including dietary patterns,
metabolomics, cytokine profiles and humanbrain gene expression profiles. We found afunctional architecture along the GBA that
correlates with heterogeneity of ASD
phenotypes, and it is characterized by ASDassociated amino acid, carbohydrate andlipid profiles predominantly encoded bymultiple microbial species and correlates withbrain gene expression changes, restrictive
dietary patterns and pro-inflammatory
cytokine profiles. We also show a strong
association between temporal changes in
microbiome composition and ASD
phenotypes in the context of a fecal mattertransplant.

(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
BIOMILQ on expanding the possibilities
for HMOs with mammary-based
biomanufacturing
Of the ~200 known HMO structures, lessthan 10% can be produced commercially
today. BIOMILQ is building a novel, patented
process to unlock the other 90% byleveraging the unique capability of humanmammary epithelial cells (hMECs). Due tothe complex enzymatic pathways involved in
HMO production – a challenge that has held
the field back for over a decade – hMECs
may be the only feasible platform to produce
structurally complex HMOs. BIOMILQ is at
the forefront of building a system to produce
a complex mixture of HMOs that support
infant gut, immune, and brain health, in
addition to other applications for improving
health across the lifespan.

(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)
Sensitive skin microbiome: latest findings
and clinical cases.
• The relationship between skinmicrobiome and sensitivity remains
unclear, but a new consensus suggests
a balanced interplay between skin cells
and bacterial populations maintains
healthy skin barrier integrity.
• Recent findings indicate aunique sensitive skin microbiome has
lower diversity and reduced S.
epidermidis compared to non-sensitiveskin. This can be particularly relevant forindividuals with compromised skinbarriers, such as those with sensitive,
reactive skin, or those suffering fromallergies or dermatosis such as acne,rosacea.
• Cosmeceutical ingredients that increase
an amount of free water in the Stratum
Corneum, along with prebiotics
promoting S. epidermidis growth andsuppressing C. acnes or P. ovale, show
therapeutic potential. Clinical cases
using skincare with prebiotics andsymbiotic ingredients in sensitive skindemonstrate efficacy, offering insights fordermatologists and public
recommendations.

Confirmed:
James Morton, Consultant, Simons
Foundation

Confirmed:
Leila Strikland, CEO & Co-Founder,
BIOMILQ

Confirmed:
Tiina Orasmäe-Meder, CEO and founder ,Meder by Dr Tiina Meder

5.30
–
5.55

Panel Discussion: - The Shifting Winds ofMicrobiome Investment

Chair
Confirmed:
Denise Kelly, Investment Advisor,
Seventure Partners
Panelists
Confirmed:
Alan Murray, CEO, Various Food andBeverage Companies

Development of a SS-LBP, ADS024, forthe treatment of PD
Over the years, evidence for a close link
between the gut and brain (gut-brain axis)
has been mounting, leading to a paradigm
shift in the understanding of diseases
involving the nervous system, including
Parkinson disease (PD) and multiple
sclerosis (MS), to name a few. It has beenrecognized that some microbes in the gut
modulate the production of several
metabolites that have neuromodulatory
functions and signal via the vagus nerve andthe circulation. ADS024 is a single-strain live
biotherapeutic (SS-LBP) that can impact thenervous system via its unique properties andis currently being studied for the treatment of
Parkinson disease.
Confirmed:
Bharat Dixit, Chief Technology Officer,
Adiso Therapeutics
Gut-Brain Axis Case Study Parkinson program

5.55
–
6.20

Reserved:
Stewart Campbell, CEO, SVP R&D, Axial
Therapeutics
6.20

Drinks Reception

Infant Health, HMO & Nutrition CaseStudy

The Science of Kindness
Beekman 1802 is a skin health company with
two key ingredients: goat milk and Kindness
and is one of the fastest growing beauty
companies in America. Learn their approachto product development and consumer
education around the microbiome. An
insightful discussion of how the research you
are conducting now gets into the hands ofthe consumer of the future.

Confirmed:
Senior Representative, Novonesis
What’s bugging your baby’s skin?:insights from healthy and diaper
dermatitis skin
It has been recognized for nearly a century
that human beings are inhabited by aremarkably dense and diverse microbial
ecosystem, yet we are only just beginning tounderstand and appreciate the many roles
that these microbes play in human healthand development. Previous studies on infantskin health has focused on Candida species
but little is known on the full microbial
composition across different areas and evenless is known on how these communities
change during disease/inflammatory states.
This clinical trial revealed to us distinct
communities that exist across 4 different
regions of the diapered area as well as
demonstrated trends in how the populations
change from healthy skin to disease state.
We will discuss these microbial communities
and what the indications are forunderstanding the roles it plays in diseasestates like diaper dermatitis (DD).
Confirmed:
Amber Teufel, Group Head/Microbiologist,
Baby, Feminine, and Family Care R&D
Life Sciences Division, Procter & Gamble

Confirmed:
Brent Ridge, Co-Founder, Beekman1802
Skin dysbiosis as a complication of
biologics and immunosuppressant agentsuse: challenges and future directions
Description of Skin lesions in patients treatedwith immunosuppressant and other biologicalagents, such as atopic dermatitis, sensitive
skin, psoriasiform eczema, and acneiform
dermatitis; presentation of complex clinicalpictures. The consideration arises whether
skin dysbiosis contributes to thepathophysiology of these manifestations ascomplications of immunosuppressant agent
use. The potential impact of therapeutic
manipulation of skin microbial communities,
including the use of pre- and probiotics,
emerges as an intriguing avenue to explorein efforts to maintain skin health.

Confirmed:
Andrea Nardelli, Post-Doctoral Fellow
McMaster University- Farncombe Family
Digestive Health Research Institute12th Microbiome, Probiotics & Prebiotics R&D and Business Collaboration ForumDay Two – Thursday October 17 – San Diego
12th Microbiome & Probiotics R&D & Business Collaboration Forum
8:55

Global Engage - Welcome address and track chair opening remarks

9:00
9:45

Keynote Address:
The Potential of Live Biotherapeutic Products to Optimize the Vaginal Microbiome to Improve Reproductive Health
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a proinflammatory genital condition marked by high bacterial diversity and diminished Lactobacillus species, is linked
with increased HIV transmission risks and preterm birth. BV is highly prevalent, with greater risk among African American and Hispanic
women in the U.S. and in Africa. Antibiotic treatment of BV, though standard, faces high recurrence rates, possibly due to the inability topromote Lactobacillus growth. An innovative treatment strategy employing a live biotherapeutic Lactobacillus crispatus (LACTIN-V) has
shown promise optimizing the vaginal microbiome, reducing recurrent BV, and mitigating the genital tract’s inflammatory milieu, thus
decreasing HIV susceptibility. Future studies are imperative to evaluate long-term BV treatments with live biotherapeutics that encouragecolonization with H2O2-producing vaginal lactobacilli.

9:45
10.20

Confirmed:
Craig R. Cohen, Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California San
Francisco
Keynote Address:
Microbiome Medicine: Combating Chronic Inflammatory Disease States
The gut microbiome’s influence on the immune system is profound and far-reaching. The gut microbiota can modulate our immune
responses, both in the gut and throughout the body. Incorporating the critical components of immune health, metabolic health, and the healthof the microbiome is essential in preventing and combating chronic inflammatory disease states. The future of medicine is strongly related tothe quality of our gut microbiome and has profound implications for disease prevention.

30-Minute Solution Provider Presentation

11:40
12:10

Reserved:
Robert Brucker, Co-Founder and Chief
Scientific Officer, Dermbiont
9.30 – 9.55
Skin Microbiome Case Study
Confirmed:
Jennifer Cookson, Senior Director ofDevelopment, Arcaea
9.55 – 10.20
Skin Microbiome Case Study

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact gavin@globalengage.co.uk)

10:50
11:40

Global Engage - Welcome address andtrack chair opening remarks
9.00 – 9.30
Skin Microbiome Case Study

Confirmed:
Nicole Scott, Founder & CEO, Cybele

Confirmed:
Cassandra Isley, Chief Executive Officer, Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention
10:20
10:50

6th Skin & Cosmeceuticals Congress(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)

Morning Refreshments
Poster Presentations
One-to-One Partnering Meetings
Theme:
Regulation and Manufacture

Theme:
Urology & Women’s Health

Theme:
Probiotics, Personalized Nutrition &CardioMetabolic Diseases

Theme:
Skin Microbiome & Cosmeceuticals

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation

30-Minute Solution Provider
Presentation(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)(available – please contact
gavin@globalengage.co.uk)

12:10
12:35

Session Two - Cross-Event Poster
Presentation Flash Presentations&
Start-Up Showcase Presentations

Poster presenters and start-up companies
will be provided with the opportunity to give aflash 3-minute overview of their work.

12:35
1.00

1:00
2.00

The Vaginal Microbiome & DTC Women’s
Tailoring the microbiota to the diet for
Healthtargeted metabolite production
The vaginal microbiome is a critical
The diet provides a treasure trove of material
component of female health. More than 30%
for the production of bioactive metabolites.
of people with vaginas suffer from
Many of these metabolites are generated by
imbalances in the microbiome (e.g. bacterial
members of the microbiome. However, a lackvaginosis, yeast infections, and recurrentof either the right diet or the right microbiome
UTIs) that drastically affect our quality of life.
members can have a significant impact on
Additionally, research has uncovered
the availability of health promoting
groundbreaking links between the vaginal
metabolites in the body. Supplementation of
microbiome and infertility, HIV risk, preterm
probiotics that work synergistically with thebirth, gynecologic cancers, and more. Evvy’s diet to produce targeted metabolites throughlongitudinal, metagenomic testing isbiotransformation, open up the opportunity to
unlocking personalized definitions of healthenrich the nutritional and health benefits ofand disease in the vagina — and providing
the diet.
women with education and insights about
their vaginal health along the way. This talkwill highlight how Evvy is leveraging thevaginal microbiome to positively impact
women’s health outcomes.
Confirmed:
Confirmed:
Noah Zimmerman, Chief Technology
Krystal Thomas-White, Senior Scientist
Officer, Verb Biotics
Evvy
Factors Influencing the Vulva skin
Regulatory Strategy for Next Generation
Microbiome and its Impact on Feminine
Probiotics
Wellness
Novel and next generation probiotics require
Abstract: A healthy vulvar microbiome is“extra” regulatory know-how, concerning
important part of feminine health. Disruption
safety, categorization and strategicof the microbiome balance in the vulva canmarketing.
contribute to infection, discomfort, andirritation. Age, genetics, and healthconditions can alter the vulvar microbiome.
Herein, the effect of age, body mass index,
and urinary incontinence have on the vulvar
microbiome will be discussed. Furthermore,principles to support a healthy vulvar
microbiome and importance of science
informed guidelines for vulvar hygiene will bepresented.
Confirmed:
Confirmed:
Amy Smith, Director, Global Regulatory
Rebecca Vongsa, Technical Leader, Life
Affairs - Health, IFF
Sciences, Kimberly Clark Corporation
Lunch
One-to-One Partnering Meetings
Poster presentations

Cross-Event Roundtables - Session Two
Roundtables are informal, small-group interactive
discussions on key topics in the field. Discussion leaders
will introduce sub-topics/questions for discussion androundtable attendees are encouraged to participate
actively in the session.

Roundtable 1 – How to speak about amicrobiome: educational challenge inskincare industry
Confirmed:
Tiina Orasmäe-Meder, CEO and founder ,Meder by Dr Tiina Meder
Roundtable 2 – LBP Manufacturing TBC
Confirmed:
Sathya Janardhanan, VP, Manufacturing,
Rise Therapeutics
Roundtable 3 – TBC
Cristina Llorente, Assistant Professor,
Div. Gastroenterology, Dept. Medicine, UC
San Diego

Roundtable 4 - TBC
Confirmed:
Aubrey Levitt, CEO, Postbiotics Plus
Research LLC

2:00
2.25

2.25
2.50

50min Panel Discussion - Current
Challenges and Future Opportunities in
LBP Manufacturing
Key topics• Identify and discuss the current major
hurdles in LBP manufacturing, key pain
points• New analytical tools to support LBPcharacterization, release and stability• Weigh the pros and cons of internalversus external manufacturing (single
strain vs consortia, strict vs facultative
aerobe, aerobes)
Key questions• What are the current major hurdles in
LBP manufacturing? Are we still
struggling with capacity and/or expertise• What are the latest developments andmost important advances inmanufacturing of typical vs highly
sensitive strains?
o How can we leverage priorknowledge developing difficult to
grow/scale strains• Global regulatory convergence, What is
the status of the Regulatory framework(US vs EU) for production andregistration of LBPs?
• The potency of the product and it’seffect, are we still relying of CFU or
something better?
• What are the main considerations
regarding internal vs external
manufacturing?
Chair
Confirmed:
Bharat Dixit, Chief Technology Officer,
Adiso Therapeutics
Paul Carlson, Principal Investigator,
Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens andCellular Immunology, CBER, FDA

Preclinical models for validation andquality control of electrospun fibers and3D bio-printed scaffolds as vaginal
therapeutic delivery platforms
Current treatments for BV to restore abalanced vaginal microbiome rely onfrequent user administration. There is apressing need to quickly and more stablycolonize the vagina with lactobacilli to avoid
BV recurrence. Here, we validated apotential probiotic delivery device in our
mouse model. L. crispatus-loaded fibers
were placed into mouse vaginas with thegoal of achieving colonization by L. crispatus
without eliciting inflammation or injury. Our
experiments show that vaginal colonization
by L. crispatus can be achieved byincorporating polymers that sustain therelease of live probiotics in the mousevagina.
Confirmed:
Amanda L. Lewis, Professor, Obstetrics,
Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences,
UCSD
Vaginal Microbiome Testing: Challenges
and Opportunities
As the role of vaginal microbiome testing inradically improving patient outcomes isincreasingly recognized, we map the
trajectory, challenges, and opportunities inthis evolving field. Key challenges fromclinical integration to variability of data for
R&D are weighed against the vast potential
for personalized medicine and preventative
care with real-world examples from Juno
Bio's pioneering lab and customer base.

Metabolomic and microbiome
investigations in a prebiotic resistantstarch clinical trial reveal novel pathways
influencing lipid metabolism

Confirmed:
Jason Bush, Chief Scientific Officer,
SolnulProbiotics, Personalized Nutrition Case
Study

Confirmed:
Hana Janebdar, Co-Founder & CEO, Juno
Bio

Sathya Janardhanan, VP, Manufacturing,
Rise Therapeutics
Laurie Rey, Head of CDMO Business
Development, Lallemand
Senior Representative, Biose
Ryan Garrett, Head of Process
Development, Vedanta Biosciences

Confirmed:
Se Jin Song, Director of Research,
Applications for Microbiome Innovation,
UCSD

The skin microbiome of preterm infants
and impact of diaper change frequency
Development of the cutaneous microbiome isimportant to overall health during theneonatal period and this may be especiallytrue in preterm infants who are more
susceptible to infection by opportunistic skincolonizers. In this study, we describe
diversity and composition and evaluate theimpact of diaper change frequency, clinicalcharacteristics, and skin health metrics on
the preterm infant skin microbiome. For
diapered skin, diaper change frequency, diet,antibiotic exposure, and delivery mode were
all associated with variation in microbiome
composition. Microbiome diversity was
inversely correlated with skin pH but not
TEWL. Results presented here provide
important insights into the drivers of
microbiome development for preterm infants.
Confirmed:
Josh Parris, Senior Scientist, Life
Sciences, Kimberly Clark Corporation
Redox (Electrogenic) Bacteria as
Biotherapeutics Against Oxidative Stress
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a subset offree radicals, have been implicated in many
human diseases. Our results havedemonstrated thatcarotenoid-carried skin and gut bacteria areelectrogenic and can yield electricity torescue the redox imbalance caused byoxidative stress. Taking skin electrogenic
bacteria for instance, we found that topicalapplication of S. epidermidis plus glycerol on
dorsal skin of ICR mice significantly
attenuated ultraviolet (UV)-elevated liableferrous ions as well as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal(4-HNE), a free radical marker derived fromlipid peroxidation. Incubation of carotenoids
enhances electricity production of S.
epidermidis. Electrogenic bacteria hold great
potential as new biotherapeutics fortreatments of free radical associated humandiseases.
Confirmed:
Eric (Chun Ming) Huang, Professor,
Arizona State University, USA

2.50
3.15

3.15
3.40

3.40
4.05

Regulatory Considerations for
Microbiome Based Therapeutics•
An overview of CMC requirementsfor Live Biotherapeutic Products•
Discussion of assays for productcharacterization and release•
Presentation of proof of principle
study assessing the use of MALDITOF for single strain enumerationfrom multi-strain mixtures

Confirmed:
Paul Carlson, Principal Investigator,
CBER, FDALBP Manufacturing Case Study
Confirmed:
Sathya Janardhanan, VP, Manufacturing,
Rise Therapeutics
Critical Considerations of a Successful
Live Biotherapeutic ProductDespite an abundance of academic researchdemonstrating the significance of the humanmicrobiome on health, well being, anddisease, converting this research into safeand efficacious FDA approved drugs has
proved challenging. Over the past ten years,
Vedanta has been a pioneer in appliedscience and CMC aspects of LBPs withinternal development and manufacturing
capabilities culminating in 32 strains
produced for five clinical programs including
late phase clinical trials. This internal
development along with learnings from othercompanies in the field have revealed key
attributes of LBPs that are necessary to
maximize the chance of clinical success.
Confirmed:
Ryan Garrett, Head of Process
Development, Vedanta Biosciences
Close of Conference

Womens’s Health Case Study

Reserved:
Oliver Worsley CEO & Co-Founder,
Sequential

Next generation probiotics for metabolic
healthConfirmed:
Johanna Maukonen, Director, Global
Clinical Innovation & Translation, IFF

Skin Microbiome Case Study – IP &regulations

Confirmed:
Jessica O’Connell, Partner, Covington &Burling LLP

Womens’s Health Case Study

Panel Discussion - Food vs. Pharma

Skin Microbiome Case Study

Confirmed:
Laura Sycuro, Assistant Profesor,
University of Calgary
Deciphering and targeting the virome

Chair
Confirmed:
Zac Lewis, Principal, Lewpine Consulting

Confirmed:
Angela Christiano, Professor of Genetics& Development, Columbia University
Skin Microbiome Case Study

Panelists
Confirmed:
Noah Zimmerman, Chief Technology
Officer, Verb Biotics

Amy Smith, Director, Global Regulatory
Strategy Lead, IFF

Denise Kelly, Investment Advisor,
Seventure Partners

Jonathan Scheiman, Founder & CEO,
FitBiomics
Confirmed:
Alex Sakatos, Co-Founder & CEO, Ancilia
Biosciences

Reserved:
Ping Hu, R&D Director, Principal
Scientist, Research & Development,
Procter & Gamble