The presence of cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a compound critical for health and longevity, is known to decline as humans age. However, direct consumption of NAD+ lacks efficiency in restoring NAD+ within cells. Instead, a more effective method of boosting NAD+ involves utilizing precursor molecules of NAD+. Thus, there is widespread interest and competition to develop therapeutics that enhance NAD+ levels through NAD+ precursors.
A petition pertaining to pharmaceutical compositions of the NAD+ precursor known as nicotinamide riboside (NR) was recently submitted by Thorne Research, Inc. for inter partes review at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Dartmouth College owns the patent (U.S. Patent No. 8,383,086), and the patent’s rights have been licensed to ChromaDex, Inc.
The conversion of known precursors to NAD+ occurs via multiple biosynthetic pathways. In 2004, researchers at Dartmouth College successfully identified the Nrk pathway, which is responsible for facilitating the generation of NAD+ in cells through the utilization of NR.
Two patents were then granted for using NR generated by the Nrk pathway to replenish NAD+: the ‘807 and ‘086 patents for use of NR as a health supplement and pharmaceutical, respectively.
ChromaDex obtained the licenses for the ‘807 and ‘086 patents from Dartmouth College 10 years after the original discovery of the Nrk pathway. After recieving the licenses, Chromadex trademarked NR and licensed it to various distributors that resold the supplement under the new name “Niagen.”
This patent had been challenged prior by Elysium Health, Inc, and this led to many of the patent’s issued claims being canceled. Moreover, different legal strategies are being brought forth by Thorne Research’s petition to combat the patent’s remaining issued claims.
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