Scripps Research Institute and ChromaDex® To Collaborate on Niagen™ Nicotinamide Riboside Research

IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ChromaDex Corp.^® (OTCBB: CDXC), an innovative natural products company that provides proprietary, science-based solutions and ingredients to the dietary supplement, food & beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, announced today it has entered into a material transfer agreement (MTA) with The Scripps Research Institute ("TSRI") whereby ChromaDex will provide TSRI with quantities of its recently launched Niagen™ nicotinamide riboside (NR).

TSRI researchers have been studying the relationship between dysfunction of mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of the cell, and various life-threatening diseases.  More specifically, the studies have focused on whether disease-affected cells change the balance between nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, which has a positive charge, and NADH, an electrically neutral form of the molecule.  

TSRI research has shown that therapeutic normalization of the NAD+/NADH balance can prevent the disease progression.  The results translate into a new therapeutic strategy: enhancement of the NAD+/NADH balance through treatment with NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside.

Commenting on the announcement, Frank Jaksch, ChromaDex founder and CEO, states "We are pleased to partner with TSRI on such important and exciting research.  Their studies will add to the growing amount of research showing of the important health benefits of nicotinamide riboside, and portends one of the possible pharmaceutical uses for Niagen™."

ChromaDex's Niagen™ has the potential to be a next generation Niacin (Vitamin B3) and become part of the portfolio of B-vitamin ingredients that are included in products serving multi-billion dollar markets such as multi-vitamins, nutraceuticals, weight-loss, energy drinks, sports nutrition, meal replacements, infant formula, 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.

About Nicotinamide Riboside (NR):

Sometimes referred to as the "Miracle Molecule" or the "Hidden Vitamin," NR is found naturally in trace amounts in milk and other foods and is a more potent, no-flush version of Niacin (vitamin B3). The beneficial effects of NR in humans include increased fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial activity, resistance to the negative consequences of high-fat diets, protection against oxidative stress, prevention of peripheral neuropathy and the blocking muscle degeneration.

Published research has shown that NR is perhaps the most potent precursor to NAD+ in the mitochondria of animals. NAD+ is arguably the most important cellular co-factor for improvement of mitochondrial performance and energy metabolism. Mitochondria also play an important part in the aging process. It is hoped that by stimulating mitochondrial function with the NR molecule, scientists may see increased longevity as well as other health improvements. Researchers worldwide continue their seminal discoveries in providing evidence for unique properties of NR in neuroprotection, sirtuin activation, protection against weight gain on high fat diets and improvement of blood glucose and insulin sensitivity.

Findings from a recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland researchers showed mice on a high-fat diet that were fed NR gained 60 percent less weight than mice eating the same high-fat diet without NR. Moreover, unlike the mice that were not fed NR, none of the NR-treated mice had indications that they were developing diabetes and they had improved energy and lower cholesterol levels, all without side effects. The Swiss researchers were quoted as saying the effects of NR on metabolism "are nothing short of astonishing."

About The Scripps Research Institute:

The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is one of the world's largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. TSRI is internationally recognized for its contributions to science and health, including its role in laying the foundation for new treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and other diseases. An institution that evolved from the Scripps Metabolic Clinic founded by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1924, the institute now employs about 3,000 people on its campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL, where its renowned scientists—including three Nobel laureates—work toward their next discoveries. The institute's graduate program, which awards PhD degrees in biology and chemistry, ranks among the top ten of its kind in the nation. For more information, see www.scripps.edu.

About ChromaDex^®:

ChromaDex® is an innovative natural products company that discovers, acquires, develops and commercializes proprietary-based ingredient technologies through its unique business model which utilizes its wholly-owned synergistic business units, including ingredient technologies, natural product fine chemicals (known as "phytochemicals"), chemistry and analytical testing services  and product regulatory and safety consulting (as Spherix Consulting).  The Company provides seamless science-based solutions to the dietary supplement, food & beverage, animal health, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Our ingredient technologies unit includes products backed with extensive scientific research and intellectual property. The ingredient portfolio includes pTeroPure® pterostilbene; ProC3G™, a natural black rice containing cyanidine-3-glucoside; PURENERGY™, a caffeine-pTeroPure co-crystal; nutraGac™, a gac fruit powder; curcumin, and Niagen™, its recently launched branding nicotinamide riboside, a novel next-generation B-vitamin.  To learn more about ChromaDex please visit www.chromadex.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to product and customer demand, market acceptance of our products, the effect of economic conditions both nationally and internationally, ability to protect our intellectual property rights, impact of any litigation or infringement actions brought against us, competition from other providers and products, risks in product development, our ability to raise capital to fund continuing operations, the ability to complete transactions, and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made except as required by law.                                                                                                                              

ChromaDex Investor Contact:                                             
The Del Mar Consulting Group, Inc.
Robert B. Prag, President
858-794-9500
[email protected]

or

Alex Partners, LLC
Scott Wilfong, President
425- 242-0891
[email protected]

ChromaDex Company Contact:
Laura Carney, Executive Assistant
949-419-0288
[email protected]

Statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  Products or ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

SOURCE ChromaDex