Niagen Bioscience Announces First-Ever Peer-Reviewed Study Highlighting the Potential of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) for Werner Syndrome, a Rare Genetic Disorder

Business Wire

4 days ago

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Niagen Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: NAGE) (formerly ChromaDex Corp.), the global authority on NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) with a focus on the science of healthy aging, shares positive results from a clinical study published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging Cell, by a team led by Masaya Koshizaka, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, and Koutaro Yokote, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, President of Chiba University, both of the Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, and the Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Chiba University Hospital, Japan. This is the first study to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Niagen Bioscience's patented nicotinamide riboside (NR) ingredient, Niagen ®, in individuals with Werner syndrome (WS), a rare genetic disorder marked by rapid aging and premature mortality.
Niagen Bioscience Announces First Peer-Reviewed Study on NAD+ Supplement, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), in Werner Syndrome Published by Niagen Bioscience
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The newly published double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that daily supplementation with Niagen significantly elevated blood NAD+ levels by approximately 140% and improved multiple clinical markers of cardiovascular and skin health in individuals with WS. Affecting approximately 1 in 380,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 people globally (GeneReviews), Werner syndrome is caused by mutations that impair DNA repair, leading to cellular aging decades ahead of normal progression.
Dr. Koshizaka noted, 'We hope our work will accelerate studies on not only WS but also other premature aging disorders and common age-related diseases—ultimately helping to extend health span and improve quality of life in both patients and the broader population.'
Developing NAD+ Therapies for Rare, Age-Related Diseases
This study builds on the growing body of clinical research demonstrating Niagen's potential in rare, age-related diseases (see Table 1 below). In Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT), Niagen has shown improvements in neurological function, coordination, and immune markers, including in pediatric populations.
Rob Fried, CEO of Niagen Bioscience, stated, 'Rare disease research is a priority for Niagen Bioscience, particularly those indications associated with accelerated aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, or NAD+ deficiency.'
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Designation to NR for the treatment of AT. These designations underscore the urgent unmet need and potential therapeutic value of Niagen in rare disease populations.
Why NAD+ Matters in Rare Disease
Scientific research has shown that declining NAD+ levels can contribute to age-related decline, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired DNA repair. In both Werner syndrome and AT, NAD+ deficiency appears to play a central role in disease progression (Fang et al., 2019). By restoring NAD+ levels, Niagen may help activate protective enzymes like SIRT1 and PARP1, reduce oxidative stress, and improve tissue function (Fang et al., 2016; Veenhuis et al., 2021; Presterud et al., 2023; Shoji et al., 2025; Lautrup et al., 2025).
Vilhelm Bohr, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., former National Institute on Aging (NIA) Chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, and current Affiliate Professor in Genome Instability and Neurodegeneration at the University of Copenhagen and Scientific Advisor to Niagen Bioscience and coauthor on the study, commented, 'Werner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that has long served as a valuable model for understanding the mechanisms of human aging. This study marks the first clinical trial using Niagen in those with Werner syndrome, and the findings—particularly improvements in cardiovascular markers—are promising. As Werner syndrome is a well-established model for normal aging, these results also suggest that NAD+ supplementation may support healthier aging in the broader population.'
Study Highlights
This 52-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of oral Niagen supplementation in individuals with WS. The study randomized nine individuals (mean age: 47) who received 1,000 mg/day of Niagen or placebo for 26 weeks before crossing over to the alternate treatment for an additional 26 weeks.
Key findings include:
Robust increase in NAD+ levels: Niagen supplementation led to a ~140% increase in plasma NAD+ levels, compared to a ~4% decrease in the placebo group.
Improved arterial stiffness: Niagen significantly improved cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a measure of arterial stiffness.
Cardioprotective lipid shift: Niagen increased the number of large HDL particles, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.
Wound healing support: Niagen reduced skin ulcer size and heel pad thinning, while ulcers worsened in the placebo group.
Clinical safety profile: No moderate or severe adverse events were reported. Mild adverse events were fewer in individuals who received Niagen (7) compared to those who received placebo (12).
Tolerability in complex individuals: Although mild liver enzyme elevations were noted, they were deemed manageable and consistent with underlying liver sensitivities common in Werner syndrome.
​​This study represents the first clinical evaluation of Niagen in WS and supports further investigation of NAD+ augmentation as a therapeutic strategy in rare progeroid diseases.
For additional information on the science supporting Niagen ®, visit www.niagenbioscience.com.
Table 1
The table below provides an overview of the clinical research published to date on Niagen in rare age-related conditions.
About Niagen Bioscience:
Niagen Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: NAGE), formerly ChromaDex Corp., is the global leader in NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) science and healthy-aging research. As a trusted pioneer of NAD+ discoveries, Niagen Bioscience™ is dedicated to advancing healthspan through precision science and innovative NAD+-boosting solutions.
The Niagen Bioscience team, composed of world-renowned scientists, works with independent investigators from esteemed universities and research institutions around the globe to uncover the full potential of NAD+. A vital coenzyme found in every cell of the human body, NAD+ declines with age and exposure to everyday lifestyle stressors. NAD+ depletion is a key contributor to age-related changes in health and vitality.
Distinguished by state-of-the-art laboratories, rigorous scientific and quality protocols, and collaborations with leading research institutions worldwide, Niagen Bioscience sets the gold standard for research, quality, and innovation. There's a better way to age.
At the heart of its clinically proven product portfolio is Niagen ® (patented nicotinamide riboside, or NR), the most efficient, well-researched, high-quality, and legal NAD+ booster available.
Niagen Bioscience's robust patent portfolio protects NR and other NAD+ precursors. Niagen Bioscience maintains a website at www.niagenbioscience.com, where copies of press releases, news, and financial information are regularly published.
Forward Looking Statements:
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