12 Aug Niagen Bioscience SVP Explains: From NR to NB4168: How Nicotinamide Riboside Research Led to a Pharmaceutical Candidate for Ataxia-Telangiectasia
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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Andrew Shao, PhD
Senior Vice President, Niagen Bioscience
Dr. Andrew Shao, PhD[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com: What is NR and how does it differ from NAD+?
Dr. Shao: NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme found in every cell, essential for energy production and DNA repair. While levels decline with age, direct NAD+ supplementation is ineffective because the molecule is poorly absorbed and utilized when taken orally. NR (nicotinamide riboside) is a vitamin B3 derivative and an efficient NAD+ precursor — a "building block" of NAD+. Unlike direct NAD+, NR is readily converted into NAD+ through established metabolic pathways. Pharmacists are ideally positioned to help patients understand that when they seek NAD+ supplements, they actually need an effective precursor like NR.