ChromaDex

Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA Founded: 1999 Ticker: NASDAQ: CDXC Focus: NAD+ precursors, anti-aging, nutritional supplements

Overview

ChromaDex is a biotechnology company dedicated to the science of aging and cellular health. The company is best known for its development of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3 that serves as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ is a critical coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the activity of sirtuin proteins, including [SIRT1](/proteins/sirt1-protein) and [SIRT3](/proteins/sirt3-protein)[@chromadex2024].

ChromaDex's research focuses on the intersection of NAD+ biology and age-related diseases, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative conditions including [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease). The company's flagship consumer product, TruNiagen, delivers NR directly to consumers, while its pharmaceutical division pursues clinical development for therapeutic applications[@truniagen].

Business Model

ChromaDex operates across two primary business segments:

Consumer Health Products

• TruNiagen: Flagship supplement containing Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
• TruNiagen+: Enhanced formulation with additional anti-aging ingredients
• Mood+: NAD+ precursor combined with mood-supporting compounds
• Available through direct-to-consumer sales and retail partners

Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA Founded: 1999 Ticker: NASDAQ: CDXC Focus: NAD+ precursors, anti-aging, nutritional supplements

Overview

ChromaDex is a biotechnology company dedicated to the science of aging and cellular health. The company is best known for its development of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3 that serves as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ is a critical coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the activity of sirtuin proteins, including [SIRT1](/proteins/sirt1-protein) and [SIRT3](/proteins/sirt3-protein)[@chromadex2024].

ChromaDex's research focuses on the intersection of NAD+ biology and age-related diseases, with particular emphasis on neurodegenerative conditions including [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease) and [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease). The company's flagship consumer product, TruNiagen, delivers NR directly to consumers, while its pharmaceutical division pursues clinical development for therapeutic applications[@truniagen].

Business Model

ChromaDex operates across two primary business segments:

Consumer Health Products

• TruNiagen: Flagship supplement containing Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
• TruNiagen+: Enhanced formulation with additional anti-aging ingredients
• Mood+: NAD+ precursor combined with mood-supporting compounds
• Available through direct-to-consumer sales and retail partners

Pharmaceutical Development

• Clinical development of NR for therapeutic indications
• Partnerships with academic institutions for mechanism validation
• Focus on neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and aging-related conditions

Pipeline and Programs

NAD+ Precursor Platform

| Program | Indication | Stage | Mechanism |
|---------|------------|-------|-----------|
| NR-001 | Alzheimer's Disease | Phase 2 | NAD+ augmentation → SIRT1 activation |
| NR-002 | Parkinson's Disease | Phase 2 | NAD+ augmentation → mitochondrial function |
| NR-003 | Mitochondrial disorders | Phase 1 | NAD+ augmentation → cellular energetics |

Parkinson's Disease Program

ChromaDex's Parkinson's disease program centers on NAD+ augmentation as a therapeutic strategy:

Rationale:

• NAD+ levels decline with age and in PD brains
• SIRT1 activity requires adequate NAD+ levels
• Mitochondrial function depends on NAD+-dependent enzymes
• Parkinson's disease is associated with impaired NAD+ metabolism[@NR_pd_trial]

Clinical Evidence:

• Preclinical studies show NR protects dopaminergic neurons in MPTP models
• Phase 1 trials demonstrated safety and NAD+ level elevation in blood
• Phase 2 trials in early Parkinson's disease ongoing

Alzheimer's Disease Program

The Alzheimer's program leverages SIRT1 activation through NAD+ augmentation:

• Reduced amyloid-beta accumulation in animal models
• Improved mitochondrial function in AD patient-derived cells
• Enhanced cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice
• Phase 2 trial ongoing in mild cognitive impairment

Technology and Science

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

NR is a unique NAD+ precursor with several advantages:

| Property | NR | NMN | Nicotinamide |
|----------|-----|-----|--------------|
| Molecular weight | 255 Da | 335 Da | 122 Da |
| BBB penetration | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Taste/neutrality | Excellent | Poor | Poor |
| Clinical data | Extensive | Growing | Extensive |
| Side effects | Minimal | Minimal | GI issues |

Mechanism of Action

Research Partnerships

ChromaDex maintains collaborations with leading research institutions:

• University of Iowa: NAD+ metabolism in Parkinson's disease
• University of Colorado: SIRT1 and mitochondrial function
• NIH: NIA and NINDS grants for NAD+ research
• University of Cambridge: Aging research and sirtuin biology

Market Position

ChromaDex occupies a unique position in the NAD+ supplement market:

Competitive Landscape

| Company | Product | NR Content | Price/30-day |
|---------|---------|------------|--------------|
| ChromaDex | TruNiagen | 300mg | ~$40 |
| Thorne | NR Pro | 300mg | ~$50 |
| Life Extension | NAD+ | 250mg | ~$35 |
| NOW Foods | NAD+ | 250mg | ~$25 |

Differentiation

• Patent portfolio: Extensive IP covering NR synthesis and use
• Clinical data: Most extensive clinical dataset for NR
• Quality standards: Pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing
• Consumer trust: Established brand in anti-aging space

Financial Overview

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Market Cap | ~$100M (2026) |
| 2025 Revenue | ~$45M |
| R&D Budget | ~$15M |
| Employees | ~150 |

Revenue Breakdown

• Consumer supplements: ~70%
• Pharmaceutical partnerships: ~20%
• Research grants: ~10%

Strategic Outlook

Opportunities

Challenges

Related Pages

• [SIRT1 Activators for Parkinson's Disease](/mechanisms/sirt1-activators-parkinsons)
• [Sirtuin Signaling in Parkinson's Disease](/mechanisms/sirtuin-signaling-parkinsons)
• [NAD+ Metabolism in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/nad-metabolism-neurodegeneration)
• [Sirtuin Modulators](/therapeutics/sirtuin-modulators)
• [NAD+ Boosters for Neurodegeneration](/therapeutics/nad-boosters-neurodegeneration)
• [GSK](/companies/gsk) — Competitor in SIRT1 activator space

See Also

• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Mitochondrial Dysfunction](/mechanisms/mitochondrial-dysfunction-parkinsons)
• [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation-parkinsons)

References

Pathway Diagram

The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving ChromaDex discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis: