In the quiet corridors of the University of Helsinki, a groundbreaking discovery emerged among a team of three passionate female scientists. A novel idea turned biotech start-up named, NADMED, is now on its way to rewriting the rules of cellular health diagnostics. At the heart of this revolution lies Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD), a molecule so fundamental to life that it exists in every living cell.
In early 2010, Professor Anu Wartiovaara Suomalainen, a Finnish scientist and pioneer in mitochondrial research, launched a research project on mitochondrial myopathy; an incurable condition that affects muscle function. The lab, home to the University of Helsinki, soon became one of the world’s leading research labs within the field of mitochondrial research.
It was here that the team discovered the vital role Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) plays in the disease, making NAD testing important to treating patients and monitoring their progress.
Scientist, Co-founder and COO of NADMED, Jana Buzcova sat down with the Ankha Azzura Podcast shorty after the launch of NADMED in London. In our interview, she explained the importance of NAD testing, the journey that led to founding the company, and what they propose for the future of the technology. But first, what are NADs?
What are NADs
NADs are not just another scientific curiosity. They are, as Jana explains, “the most important metabolic regulators in every cell of our body.” These molecules regulate critical cellular processes, including energy production, gene expression, and cellular repair. “If you compare plants and humans, they are still regulated by the same NAD molecules,” she emphasizes, highlighting the universal importance of these molecular messengers. Not only this, but NADs also play a key role in longevity, healthy metabolism, and the prevention of various diseases.
The Journey: How NADMED started
Jana’s first research experience was in a mitochondrial laboratory, where she studied rare mitochondrial diseases that affect patients across all age groups; from infants to elderly individuals. What captivated her was the immense variability and unknown factors surrounding these conditions. She said, “I always wanted to be somehow close to patients, to look for how I can help,” she recalls.
Along with Professor Wartiovaara, Jana was testing the mechanisms behind the disease in mice, which led the team to connect NADs and the disease. Jana said, “The reason why NADMED was originally invented—was that we discovered fascinating results in the mouse model. This mouse had the exact same disease and mutation as the patients we were studying, and the results showed significant effects on NAD metabolism, and we thought, this is really great!”
“That was around the time when the first NAD boosters emerged, and early studies were being conducted on both mice and humans. Our idea was to try this on patients, but working with mice is far easier in many ways—you can dissect them extensively and study them in all possible ways, which isn’t feasible with humans. In humans, what you can study is limited to things like muscle biopsies or, most conveniently, blood.”
Jana recalls the major challenge in giving patients the booster. There was no reliable way to measure its effects or even determine if they even needed it. The breakthrough came from a seemingly simple but revolutionary challenge: how to quickly and accurately measure NAD levels in human samples.
The team’s solution was ingenious – to dedicate over a decade of study to develop a rapid testing technology. They started with plant leaves from their office and progressed to mouse tissues, then to human blood. As a result they developed what they now call the “NADMED technology” – a rapid testing method that can measure NAD levels quickly and accurately. The first clinical trial with patients suffering from mitochondrial myopathy – a condition causing severe muscle weakness – proved transformative.
Jana told us, “These patients have very weak skeletal muscles. They have a hard time walking, hard time holding a cup, and are often wheelchair-bound,” she explains. By tracking NAD levels weekly, they discovered that they could monitor patient responses in real-time, which allowed them to adjust treatments accordingly. The results were remarkable. Patients who continued the treatment reported significant improvements, a testament to the potential of NAD research.
Concerns and challenges
NAD levels offer insights into our overall health and metabolism, but are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Jana emphasizes that NAD testing is most beneficial for individuals genuinely concerned about their well-being, particularly those interested in understanding their metabolic health and potential recovery needs. Athletes and sports professionals are especially highlighted as potential candidates, as NAD measurements can help track overtraining and monitor recovery processes.
The key is not to view NAD testing as a standalone diagnostic tool, but as part of a comprehensive health assessment. Jana stresses the importance of a holistic approach, cautioning against simply taking supplements when NAD levels are low. Instead, she recommends considering NAD levels in the broader context of an individual’s health history, recent illnesses, current medications, and overall lifestyle.
The goal is not to immediately medicalize low NAD levels, but to understand potential underlying factors and make informed lifestyle adjustments.
Ideal candidates for NAD testing include people experiencing prolonged recovery from illnesses, those interested in preventative health monitoring, and individuals looking to optimize their metabolic wellness. Jana suggests measuring NAD levels every three to six months, focusing on tracking trends rather than obsessive monitoring. The ultimate aim is not only to extend life, but also to enhance the quality of life by understanding and supporting the body’s metabolic processes.
What’s the future for the new technology?
Their vision extends beyond current limitations. The ultimate goal is to make NAD testing a standard part of routine blood work, providing a nuanced snapshot of an individual’s health alongside other biomarkers like iron levels and inflammation indicators.
“Every time a patient goes to a doctor and has a blood test, NADs would be part of that list,” she envisions. To the NADMED team, the potential is enormous – NAD levels could provide a holistic view of a patient’s health, reflecting everything from recent infections to overall well-being.
The implications are profound. NADs are consumed during critical bodily processes, such as fighting inflammation, and serve as a reflection of the body’s overall health status. “If you have an infection or inflammation, that’s where NADs are consumed a lot,” the researcher explains. While the full understanding of NAD metabolism remains incomplete, each research breakthrough brings new insights.
Fatigue and energy levels are often the first indicators of low NAD levels. “Tiredness is often associated with the lack of NADs,” she notes, pointing to the molecule’s potential role in understanding age-related diseases and energy metabolism.
As the scientific world stands on the cusp of a new understanding of cellular health, these scientists have proven that curiosity, persistence, and innovative thinking can transform medical diagnostics. Their work with NADs is more than just a scientific breakthrough – it’s a testament to the power of asking the right questions and refusing to accept existing limitations.
The NAD revolution has begun, and it’s being led by women who are rewriting the rules of medical science, one molecule at a time.
