Niagen Bioscience Inc (NASDAQ: NAGE) on Monday reported promising results from a peer-reviewed study demonstrating the potential of its patented nicotinamide riboside (NR) ingredient, Niagen, in treating Werner syndrome (WS), a rare genetic disorder characterised by accelerated aging. Findings were published in Aging Cell by a team from Chiba University, Japan.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that daily Niagen supplementation elevated blood NAD+ levels by approximately 140% and improved multiple clinical markers, including cardiovascular and skin health, in individuals with WS. The 52-week trial involved nine participants who received 1,000 mg/day of Niagen or placebo in a crossover design.

Werner syndrome, affecting roughly 1 in 380,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 people globally, is caused by mutations impairing DNA repair, leading to premature aging. Restoring NAD+ levels may help counteract disease progression by enhancing protective enzymes, reducing oxidative stress and improving tissue function.

The company is expanding its rare disease research portfolio, with previous FDA Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations granted for NR in treating Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT). The latest WS study further supports the potential of NAD+ augmentation as a therapeutic strategy for rare progeroid diseases.

Formerly known as ChromaDex Corp, Niagen Bioscience is a leader in NAD+ science and healthy-aging research, with a patented portfolio of NAD+ precursors and collaborations with global research institutions. Its flagship product Niagen is the most extensively studied NAD+ booster currently available.