A partnership to accelerate regulatory approval and development of insect-based solutions for animal and human nutrition.
A strategic advisory agreement has been established between a The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) and Argenta, the world’s only global animal health and nutrition Contract Research and Development Organization (CRO/CDMO), with the aim of accelerating the development and regulatory approval of insect-based solutions across animal health, animal nutrition, and human nutrition sectors.
Under the agreement, the research organization will act as a strategic advisory member to the insect platform and its members. The collaboration will focus on supporting companies in navigating regulatory requirements set by authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which are critical for market authorization of insect-based products.
The partnership will provide scientific and technical guidance on study design, including preclinical and clinical research needed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of insect-derived ingredients. This support will apply to multiple product categories, including functional feeds, nutraceuticals, veterinary medicinal products, and novel foods.
The advisory role will also include participation in working groups, where technical feedback will be provided on product development and scientific assessments related to insect-based ingredients.
In addition to regulatory and scientific support, the collaboration will include joint workshops, webinars, and scientific forums. These activities are intended to facilitate knowledge exchange between insect producers and animal health experts, helping to strengthen innovation within the sector.
The agreement is designed to streamline the pathway from product development to commercialization, ensuring insect-based solutions meet required standards for safety, quality, and efficacy. The collaboration is expected to support the development of more sustainable nutritional solutions for animal production systems, pet food, and human food applications.
Dr. Klaus Hellmann, Managing Director of the Argenta Group (KLIFOVET GmbH and Pen & Tec Consulting SLU), said “The insect sector holds immense promise for the future of animal health and nutrition, and human nutrition. We are excited to lend our regulatory and clinical development expertise to IPIFF and its members. By guiding the science behind these innovative products, we can help ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy, bringing real value to the animal health and nutrition market, and the novel food market.”
The partners also highlighted the importance of establishing best practices for quality parameters, stability testing, and safety evaluation to support future market growth of insect-derived ingredients.
