As NMN supplements become increasingly popular for anti-aging, a new way to create the molecule using only two enzymes could make it far more accessible and cost-effective.
As longevity and anti-aging increasingly become areas of focus among the medical and scientific communities, many consumers are on the lookout for the next product that can reduce signs of aging, improve their health, and extend their lives.
Recently, nicotinamide mononucleotide, also called NMN, has emerged as a popular option for the anti-aging-obsessed. Now, a newly invented production method for it — for which a patent application was recently published — could make the supplement even more accessible to the average consumer.
NMN is a molecule that is a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) — a critical coenzyme that’s required for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and overall cellular health.
While NAD+ is found in every cell of the body, it is believed that our levels naturally decline as we age, thus increasing the risk of age-related conditions such as metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Examples of these conditions include type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
What the NMN research says
“NMN has gained popularity due to its potential to restore NAD+ levels, which could mitigate the effects of aging and promote healthier aging,” says Diogo Barardo, Ph.D., the director of research and development at longevity biotech company NOVOS. “Scientific studies have shown NMN to be a promising molecule in animal models for improving metabolic functions and possibly extending lifespan, hence its growing attention in the anti-aging and longevity communities.”
While existing research on NMN is relatively limited and preliminary at this point, some early studies in animal models have shown that NMN may have the potential to help boost energy, improve cognitive function, and even extend lifespan.
One study published in Science by David Scinclair's research team in March of 2017 showed that an increase in NAD+ in mice reversed the signs of tissue and muscle aging in older mice, suggesting it may be able to do the same thing in humans.
NAD+ cannot be absorbed into cells due to its large molecular weight, however. Recent research has shown that consuming NAD+ precursors like NMN can significantly increase NAD+ levels in the body and, in turn, may reduce the risk of age-related health declines. As a result, some have referred to it as a “miracle drug of youth.”
NAD+ is involved in a wide range of biochemical reactions in every cell in the body and is also implicated in all aspects of physiology and pathology. This is why modulating NAD+ levels with compounds like NMN is proposed to have a wide range of therapeutic applications affecting different organ systems, organism healthspans, and lifespan as a whole. However, currently, there is still limited evidence to prove the compound's effectiveness for any indication, and most of the evidence revolves around its ability to increase NAD+ levels.
It’s also important to note that in 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned NMN from being sold as a dietary supplement due to it being under investigation as a new drug. The Natural Products Association filed a lawsuit against the FDA in response.
Despite the ban, many NMN products remain available for purchase. Still, the future of NMN as a dietary supplement in the U.S. remains unresolved, and it is still unclear whether it will be made available and accessible to all consumers.
Current NMN options
Despite the obstacles, the demand for these products is high due to their anti-aging potential, but existing NMN products are extremely pricey — especially if you’re looking to purchase pure NMN. This is because pure NMN products are produced through chemical synthesis or multi-enzyme approaches that involve complex procedures and high costs, Barardo explains.
There are cheaper NMN options, but these products are less pure, meaning they may contain contaminants.
The new patent application — filed by Shenzhen Readline Biotech Co. — could change this, as the new composition uses just two enzymes to prepare NMN.
“This patent outlines an innovative method for synthesizing NMN using only two enzymes,” Barardo says. “This is a notable improvement over traditional synthesis methods, which often require multiple steps and reagents, making production expensive and less efficient.”
By streamlining the enzymatic process, he says this invention has the potential to significantly lower production costs.
“As NMN is currently sold at a premium, reducing manufacturing expenses could make the product more accessible to a broader consumer base, potentially driving widespread adoption,” he says. “Given the rising interest in NMN as a supplement, this innovation could meet market demand more efficiently and economically.”
What this might mean for NMN production and consumption
At this point, it’s impossible to know whether the patent application will materialize into a method for creating products on the market. But if this new production method is successfully commercialized, Barardo says it could possibly have several implications for the NMN market.
“First, it could drive down the price of NMN, making it more affordable for everyday consumers, which may accelerate its use as a common dietary supplement,” he says. “Additionally, the improved efficiency could lead to larger-scale production, meeting the increasing global demand for NAD+ precursors.”
He adds that the patent could also foster competitive innovation, prompting other manufacturers to improve their own processes and further advancing the field of NAD+ supplementation. However, he says, it is still too early to predict the full impact until more details about its scalability and market adoption emerge.
It’s also important to note that if patent status is granted, the patent holder will receive exclusive rights to use, sell, and monetize their method. They can license it to other brands, enter exclusive or non-exclusive agreements, sell the patent outright, or form partnerships for commercialization. They can also take legal action against any entity that uses or monetizes the production method without proper licensing.
As a result, this new patented manufacturing technique cannot guarantee that it will lower the cost of NMN supplements across the entire market, as not every brand will necessarily be able to use it without paying for it.
Resolving the many controversies surrounding NMN's regulatory status is also necessary for improved access and affordability.
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