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IRVINE, California, USA - ChromaDex Corp. and Thorne Research Inc. are going into partnership for ChromaDex's Niagen?, a patented branded nicotinamide riboside (NR) ingredient. Under the three-year deal, which is worth at least $3.5 million, Thorne will receive marketing rights for Niagen for use in nutritional supplements exclusively for the direct to healthcare-practitioner channel in North America, whilst ChromaDex will receive a royalty on sales of Thorne products that will contain Niagen. Both companies will also work together on future human clinical trials of Niagen.
Niagen is said to have the potential to be a next-generation niacin (vitamin B3), and become a part of the portfolio of B-vitamin ingredients included in products serving multi-billion dollar markets such as multi-vitamins, nutraceuticals, weight-loss, energy drinks, sports nutrition, meal replacements, infant formula and food and beverage products.
"Mitochondrial energy production is critical for efficient metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, weight management, athletic performance, cardiovascular health and neuroprotection," said Robert Rountree, M.D., chief medical officer at Thorne. "Research has shown that oral nicotinamide riboside, a compound naturally found in the diet, can significantly optimise mitochondrial function by increasing intracellular levels of NAD+. In addition to improving the overall redox state of the cell, an increase in NAD+ results in activation of SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha, cellular proteins that play a major role in mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose regulation and protection against age-related disease. Studies have shown that nicotinamide riboside increases muscle endurance, protects nerve cells from injury, improves insulin sensitivity, lowers serum cholesterol and limits diet-induced obesity. Nicotinamide riboside also represents the next-generation of vitamin B3, providing the benefits of niacin but without the disturbing flush that impairs patient compliance."
Paul Jacobson, CEO of Thorne Research, added, "We believe Niagen is one of the most exciting new ingredients to be introduced in the nutritional supplement market in the past decade. We are thrilled to be the first manufacturer in our market sector to be able to incorporate this ingredient, and we plan on having a series of first-to-market products that incorporate Niagen."