ChromaDex Announces Deal For Its Recently Launched Niagen Nicotinamide Riboside With Thorne Research

09 Jul 2013 --- ChromaDex Corp., an innovative natural products company that provides proprietary, science-based solutions and ingredients to the dietary supplement, food and beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, announced a three-year marketing deal worth at least $3.5 million with Thorne Research Inc. for ChromaDex's recently launched Niagen, its novel, patented branded nicotinamide riboside (NR) ingredient.

Under the terms of the agreement, Thorne Research receives marketing rights for Niagen for use in nutritional supplements exclusively for the direct to healthcare-practitioner channel in the United States and Canada. ChromaDex will receive a royalty on sales of Thorne Research products that will contain Niagen. In addition, Thorne Research will collaborate with ChromaDex on future human clinical trials of Niagen.

"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 of Thorne Research. "Research has shown that oral nicotinamide riboside, a compound naturally found in the diet, can significantly optimize 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, stated, "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."

Frank Jaksch, ChromaDex founder and CEO, stated, "Our recently announced launch of Niagen has resulted in numerous inquiries from leading companies in the nutritional supplement industry. We are proud to have Thorne Research, a highly regarded industry innovator, as our first channel partner for Niagen, our branded nicotinamide riboside."

ChromaDex's Niagen has 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.

Niagen is the first and only commercially available brand of NR. Over the past two years, ChromaDex has built a significant patent portfolio pertaining to NR by separately acquiring patent rights from Cornell University, Dartmouth College and Washington University. ChromaDex believes its patent rights create a significant and meaningful barrier to entry for would-be competitors in the NR market.