NAD+ / Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) for Age-Related Functional Decline — VialBase Research
Trial Summary
Phase 2 trial evaluating NAD+ precursor supplementation (nicotinamide riboside) for age-related functional decline. NAD+ is a critical coenzyme for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair (via sirtuins/PARPs), and mitochondrial function. NAD+ levels decline 50%+ with aging, and restoring NAD+ has shown benefit in preclinical aging models.
Design
- Type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Population: Older adults (likely 60-85 years) with measurable functional decline
- Arms: NR at therapeutic doses vs. placebo
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Key measures: Physical performance (gait speed, grip strength, chair stand), NAD+ and metabolite levels (blood and tissue), mitochondrial function markers, inflammatory biomarkers, cognitive function, patient-reported fatigue and quality of life
Key Outcomes
Trial is recruiting; no results available yet. Prior smaller studies have shown NR can increase blood NAD+ levels by 40-90% in older adults, but functional outcome data has been mixed.
Significance for Peptide Research
While NR is technically a nucleoside rather than a peptide, this trial is relevant to the peptide longevity space because NAD+ biology intersects with mitochondrial-targeting peptides (elamipretide), GHRH-axis peptides (tesamorelin), and metabolic peptides (incretins). NAD+ restoration may enhance mitochondrial responses to elamipretide, and sirtuin activation (NAD+-dependent) has metabolic effects complementary to GLP-1 agonism. Relevant to NAD+ biology and aging and longevity molecule clinical trials.
See Also
- Related compound: NAD+