Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is one of a small number of molecules
that might very modestly slow some of the effects of aging, based on a
few initial results from animal studies. Recently, news has emerged of a
forthcoming small trial in humans to be conducted by the Japanese
research community. NMN is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide (NAD), important in mitochondrial function, which is in
turn important in the progression of degenerative aging. At this point
in time skepticism is the appropriate response, however, given the small
amount of data for beneficial effects in animals and the past history
of this sort of research, which typically starts with hype and ends with
nothing of any use. Drugs to tinker with the operation of metabolism in
order to modestly slow aging are in any case a bad use of time and
effort when there are potential means of rejuvenation that might be
developed instead, based on repair of the cell and tissue damage that
causes aging. Thus, all in all, this news is of greatest interest for
the insight it provides into changing opinions and support for the goal
of treating aging in Japanese society:wisepoqder beta-Nicotinamide mononucleotide
Researchers plan to begin a joint clinical study in Japan to test
the safety and effectiveness in humans of a compound that is gradually
being proved to retard the aging process in animals, scientists have
said. If approved, researchers plan to begin giving the compound -
nicotinamide mononucleotide (see below) or NMN - to about 10 healthy
people to confirm its safety. They will then examine whether NMN can
improve functions of the human body. The clinical study is scheduled to
begin as early as next month. The planned clinical study will use NMN by
treating it as food. If it is found to be safe for humans and has any
benefits, NMN will likely be distributed as a product similar to "food
with functional claims."
Progress in the study of a substance believed to help slow the aging
process may reduce medical and nursing-care expenses, according to
specialists. How to prolong people's healthy life span is an important
task for Japan's rapidly aging society. The study of the reportedly
age-retarding substance may make it possible for elderly people to live
their daily lives free of restrictions. Starting next fiscal year, the
Japanese government will make full-fledged efforts to promote projects
aimed at slowing the aging process, using a large amount of budgetary
appropriations for this endeavor. The move is expected to promote
research activities in this field of study.
