Publication date: September 30, 2026

HPA-Global member Niagen Bioscience has entered into a start-up agreement with Mass General Brigham investigators to begin detailed planning for what could become the largest and most comprehensive clinical study of Niagen® nicotinamide riboside (NR) conducted to date.

The proposed study would be a multi-year, randomized, placebo-controlled prevention trial involving apparently healthy adults 50 years of age and older. Researchers plan to examine both short- and long-term effects of Niagen supplementation across clinical and healthy-aging outcomes. Niagen Bioscience

Potential endpoints under consideration include major morbidity and mortality along with physical activity, cognition, fatigue, energy, sleep, inflammation, biological-aging biomarkers and NAD+ status. Final sample size, dosage, duration and endpoints remain under development. Niagen Bioscience

The investigator-led study is being developed by Mass General Brigham in collaboration with the Niagen Research Program. The initiative is also seeking participation from additional academic, nonprofit, philanthropic and industry organizations. Niagen Bioscience

More than 45 peer-reviewed human clinical studies on Niagen have already been published, while the company’s research program supports more than 175 ongoing and developing research projects. Niagen Bioscience

What this means for the industry

Longevity is becoming one of the supplement industry’s most important categories, but long-duration studies examining clinically meaningful healthy-aging outcomes remain relatively uncommon.

A sufficiently large and well-designed prevention trial could significantly expand the evidence base surrounding NAD+ precursor supplementation by moving beyond short-term biomarker outcomes toward measures consumers ultimately care about—how they function and remain healthy as they age.

For the broader supplement industry, the project also illustrates the increasing importance of substantial clinical investment as healthy-aging ingredients move further into mainstream consumer health.

Source: Niagen Bioscience / Mass General Brigham & HPA-Global Niagen Bioscience

Original Niagen Bioscience announcement

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