Ninth Published Human Trial on Niagen® Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) Shows Increase in NAD+ Levels, Additional Research Highlights Downfalls of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

ChromaDex highlights additional clinical and preclinical research strengthening science and understanding behind Niagen® (patented nicotinamide riboside)

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ChromaDex Corp. (NASDAQ:CDXC) today announced the results of several new studies, which have uncovered new clinical and preclinical findings for its Niagen® (nicotinamide riboside, or NR) cellular nutrient, paving the way for continued research. Through its industry leading research program, called the ChromaDex External Research Program (CERP), ChromaDex provides its patented nicotinamide riboside (NR, or Niagen) ingredient to research institutions and universities at no cost. ChromaDex continues to support NAD⁺ research and through CERP has developed a global community of esteemed researchers exploring the potential Niagen and NAD⁺ can have on human health.

Newly published clinical research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined nicotinamide riboside supplementation at 1 gram per day for six weeks in healthy overweight or obese men. NR modestly improved body composition and acetyl carnitine (a fatty acid transporter) concentrations in skeletal muscle and increased metabolic rate during sleep.

Preclinical research from Dr. Charles Brenner and researchers at three U.S. universities demonstrated SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)-induced NAD⁺ dysregulation in an in vitro model, as well as the lung tissue from infected animals and a deceased COVID-19 patient. This is the first of several studies examining the potential role of NAD⁺ in the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in the midst of this pandemic.

A preclinical study published in Nature Communications investigating neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) in mouse models found that NR significantly increased brain NAD⁺ levels, partially blocked neurodegeneration and increased the lifespan of neurodegenerative mice by 30%. Importantly, the study also found that NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) was not at all effective at raising NAD⁺ levels in the neurodegenerative mouse model brain.

A review on the regulation of cellular aging from Biomolecules specifically recognized Niagen® as a unique NAD⁺-boosting agent with regulatory acceptance.

A study and review from Nature Metabolism highlighted the potential of a relative of NR called dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH). ChromaDex holds robust intellectual property over NRH and is exploring the scientific potential of this relative to NR.

The role of the NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) boosting benefits of NR was first discovered in 2004 by Dr. Charles Brenner, the Roy J. Carver Chair & Head of Biochemistry of the University of Iowa and ChromaDex Chief Scientific Advisor.

Since then, ChromaDex has invested over $35 million to investigate, license, manufacture and commercialize its patented nicotinamide riboside, Niagen®, showing safety and efficacy at boosting NAD⁺ levels in seven published human studies and obtaining regulatory acceptance in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia.

“Niagen® remains the most effective, consistently safe and regulatory approved NAD⁺ precursor on the market,” says ChromaDex CEO Rob Fried. “As the scientific potential of NAD⁺ has grown, so too has the number of unproven claims and popularity of untested precursors on the market, like NMN, that have not been shown in human clinicals to safely and effectively increase NAD⁺ levels.”

For additional information on the science supporting Niagen visit www.chromadex.com.

About ChromaDex:

ChromaDex Corp. is a science-based integrated nutraceutical company devoted to improving the way people age. ChromaDex scientists partner with leading universities and research institutions worldwide to discover, develop and create solutions to deliver the full potential of NAD and its impact on human health. Its flagship ingredient, NIAGEN® nicotinamide riboside, sold directly to consumers as TRU NIAGEN®, is backed with clinical and scientific research, as well as extensive IP protection. TRU NIAGEN® is helping the world AGE BETTER®. ChromaDex maintains a website at www.chromadex.com to which ChromaDex regularly posts copies of its press releases as well as additional and financial information about the Company.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements related to results of the NIAGEN^® studies, their significance and whether the studies show potential for benefits on human health. Statements that are not a description of historical facts constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "potential", "possible", "probable", "believes", "seeks", "may", "will", "should", "could" or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. More detailed information about ChromaDex and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in ChromaDex's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, ChromaDex's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted by ChromaDex to the SEC, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and actual results may differ materially from those suggested by these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and ChromaDex undertakes no obligation to revise or update this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.