Finnish company claims its test is the first to measure levels of all forms of NAD and glutathione directly from blood samples.
Finland-based biotech NADMED has secured €3.5 million in a Series A funding round to advance its proprietary technology that measures nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels in the body. The company intends to use the funding to bring its blood test for the longevity-linked molecules to the US and other international markets.
NADs are essential molecules present in every cell of the human body, playing a critical role in energy production, cellular repair and growth. Along with glutathiones, a key antioxidant, NAD levels are crucial to maintaining cellular health. Imbalances in NAD and glutathione levels have been linked to numerous age-related diseases, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, cardiovascular diseases and muscle atrophy, and accurate measurement of NAD and glutathione levels can help understand and treat these conditions.
NADMED’s blood test kit.
NADMED claims its technology, developed in the lab of Professor Anu Suomalainen Wartiovaara at the University of Helsinki, is the first to measure all forms of NAD directly from fresh blood samples. Compared with mass spectrometry, which has limitations in terms of cost, throughput and the type of NAD forms it can measure, NADMED says its method is both faster and more cost-effective, while maintaining the same high level of accuracy. The system also measures different forms of glutathione from the same sample.
NADMED’s planned expansion into the US market comes at a time when metabolism and metabolic health are attracting significant attention.
“In the coming years, metabolism will be the hottest topic in medicine and biology, especially when applied to personalized health and disease understanding,” said Jari Närhi, CEO of NADMED. “In this dawning age of metabolism, NAD will be the new DNA. This investment will enable us to bring new capabilities to diagnostics, therapy monitoring, personalized medicine, and advancement of metabolic science for the benefit of mankind.”
NADMED’s leadership team.
NADMED’s test kits are intended for use by clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and researchers engaged in drug development and clinical studies. One of the potential benefits of the technology highlighted by the company is the ability to offer more personalized treatment options. NAD levels can be increased with B3 vitamin supplementation, which has shown positive effects in managing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma and mitochondrial myopathy. However, the response to NAD-boosting treatments varies between individuals. NADMED’s approach allows for more precise tracking of these levels, helping clinicians tailor treatment to the patient’s specific metabolic needs.
The new investment was led by Nordic Science Investments (NSI), with additional support from prior backers such as Voima Ventures, University of Helsinki Funds, private European investors and Business Finland. The funding will help NADMED further develop its product and extend its reach in key markets. The company already serves customers in 27 countries, including clinical laboratories, universities, research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
