Earlier this year, CRN surveyed our membership to determine what we are doing well and where you want us to improve. For the next several months, each issue of The Report will update you on what you told us, and what steps CRN is taking to respond to your direction.
This week's comments:
CRN members value CRN’s commitment to sound science.
CRN’s dedication to promoting and defending The Science behind the Supplements helps foster trust and confidence among stakeholders and consumers. Members said that they value CRN’s proactive efforts to showcase the latest science and innovation in the dietary supplement industry. Members expressed that they rely on CRN for timely alerts and notifications of published studies—positive and negative—that may garner media attention. CRN members also note that CRN’s rapid response program consistently provides scientific and regulatory perspective on issues facing the dietary supplement industry.
Here’s a look at some recent action CRN has taken:
CRN alerted members to a piece by Pieter Cohen, M.D., published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Dr. Cohen claimed that the dietary supplement industry is under-regulated and apathetic. Questioning the overall safety of probiotics, Dr. Cohen suggested that companies "fail to establish the identity, purity, strength, or composition of their final product" on Supplement Facts labels. CRN provided an analysis of the piece and developed talking points for members to use in media responses.
CRN responded to results of the highly anticipated VITAL study, noting positive secondary findings that reaffirm the safety and benefit of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. CRN alerted members and distributed detailed summaries of the VITAL study and its specific findings on vitamin D and omega-3s.
CRN released a public service announcement in response to an article published in JAMA that drew attention to unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients identified by FDA in 776 dietary supplements between 2006 and 2017. Issued to help keep consumers safe, the PSA offered three guidelines to follow when shopping for supplements.
You asked CRN to further highlight its Associate Member companies.
Members noted that the services offered by CRN Associate Member companies are valued, essential components to the dietary supplement manufacturing process. CRN members asked CRN to draw heightened attention to the Associate Member companies and help kickstart B2B communication.
What we’re doing to get even better:
Webinars
This year, CRN has added new webinars highlighting Associate Members and the valuable services they provide, such as analytical laboratories and contract research organizations. Click here to view the schedule of upcoming webinars.
Referrals
CRN members often pose sensitive questions that could be handled best by Associate Member companies. When a problem arises (such as with FDA, FTC), CRN regularly makes referrals to our Associate Members to help companies navigate the complexities of the dietary supplement industry.
CRN Associate Member companies offer services in the following areas:
- Regulatory compliance – U.S.
- Regulatory compliance – International
- Analytical testing laboratories
- Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to conduct clinical trials
- Marketing and media firms
- Private equity and investment banking firms
- Adverse event reporting, compliance and management
- Consumer care specialists to receive and manage consumer inquiries and complaints
- Product development services and strategies
- GRAS Independent Conclusions and FDA GRAS Notification services
- Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notification services
- Legal services
- …and more!
To make this an ongoing conversation, please tell us additional areas on which you want CRN to focus. Send your thoughts to:
Carl Hyland Senior Director, Membership Development, chyland@crnusa.org