Standardizing how we measure NAD and related molecules in people
Validation of NAD+ measurements for human clinical studies: multi-method inter-laboratory standardization
This project will develop reliable blood, urine, and imaging tests to measure NAD and related molecules so clinicians and researchers can better track cellular energy changes in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be asked to provide blood or urine samples and possibly undergo a noninvasive magnetic resonance scan so labs can compare measurement methods for NAD, NADH, NADP, and NADPH. The team will test multiple techniques including liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, biochemical assays, nuclear magnetic resonance, and two magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) methods used in living tissues. They will standardize how samples are handled, run the same protocols across different laboratories, and validate which methods give consistent results. The goal is to produce clear protocols and reference standards that future clinical trials can use for trustworthy NAD measurements.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people willing to provide blood and urine samples or undergo noninvasive MRS scans to help validate and standardize NAD measurements.
Not a fit: Patients who are not donating samples, not undergoing scans, or not involved in NAD-related clinical work are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could give patients and doctors trustworthy tests to determine whether interventions like NAD-boosting supplements actually change NAD biology in the body.
How similar studies have performed: Various labs have measured NAD with different assays, but consistent inter-laboratory standards are lacking, so this standardization effort builds on existing techniques and addresses a known gap.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddy, Ravinder — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Reddy, Ravinder
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.