CD38 Enzyme Identified as Key Driver of Age-Related NAD+ Decline in Placental Tissue — Niagen Bioscience, Inc.

Event summary

A preclinical study published in Nature Communications identified CD38 as a primary driver of NAD+ decline in aging placental tissue.
Older mothers had lower NAD+ levels in placental tissue, associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes.
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) restored NAD+ levels and improved placental, fetal, and offspring outcomes in aged mice.
The study was conducted independently by Sichuan Agricultural University and not funded by Niagen Bioscience.
Niagen Bioscience highlighted the study as it supports the mechanism behind NAD+ decline and the effectiveness of NR.

The big picture

This study adds to the growing body of evidence linking NAD+ decline to age-related health issues, particularly in reproductive health. Niagen Bioscience stands to benefit from this research as it reinforces the scientific basis for its NAD+-boosting products. The findings could also open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in reproductive aging, a market with significant unmet needs.

What we're watching

Clinical Validation: Whether additional clinical research will confirm these preclinical findings and support NR as a therapeutic option for reproductive aging.
Market Differentiation: How Niagen Bioscience will leverage this research to differentiate its NR product from competitors, particularly in the context of CD38 activity.
Regulatory Pathways: The pace at which regulatory approvals for NR-based therapies could advance, given the growing body of preclinical evidence.