NAD molecular structure visualization

Reference Material

The Science

Explore the peer-reviewed research and scientific foundations behind NAD⁺ biology and the innovation that drives NADairX®'s inhalation delivery platform.

Core Science

NAD⁺ Biology

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a critical coenzyme present in every living cell. It plays a central role in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signalling pathways that regulate ageing.

Inhalation Delivery

Pulmonary delivery offers a large, highly-vascularised absorption surface with rapid systemic bioavailability - bypassing first-pass metabolism and the degradation challenges of oral NAD⁺ supplementation.

Precision Engineering

NADairX®'s proprietary aerosolisation technology produces a consistent particle size optimised for deep-lung deposition, ensuring maximum NAD⁺ reaches the bloodstream efficiently.

Section 1

Pulmonary Drug Delivery Fundamentals

Dry Powder for Pulmonary Delivery: A Comprehensive Review

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7824629/
  • One of the most cited modern DPI reviews
  • Explains lung physiology, aerosol physics, and inhalable powder design
  • Shows 1–5 µm particles are optimal for inhalation aerosols

Half a Century of Technological Advances in Pulmonary Drug Delivery

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fddev.2022.871147
  • Evolution of inhaled therapeutics
  • Why pulmonary delivery enables rapid systemic exposure
  • DPI advantages over other inhalation systems

Pulmonary Drug Delivery by Powder Aerosols

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365914002880
  • Foundational aerosol science paper
  • Powder dispersion and deposition modelling

Inhalation: A Smart Strategy and Increasing Potential for Drug Delivery

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1044/8361/9141/files/DDDT-20-575392.pdf?v=1775672348
  • Delivery method is just as important as the drug itself
  • The lungs are an ideal gateway for both local and systemic therapy
  • Inhalation is becoming a future-facing platform, not a niche tool

Understanding Dry Powder Inhalers: Key Technical and Patient Preference Attributes

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1044/8361/9141/files/DDDT-20-575392.pdf?v=1775672348
  • Higher device resistance often improves drug delivery
  • DPIs are suitable for almost all patients
  • Powder delivery technology is well-established and scientifically validated

Section 2

Particle Size and Lung Deposition

Influence of Physical Properties of Carrier on DPI Formulations

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383515300629
  • Shows 1–5 µm particle size ensures deep lung deposition
  • Important justification for micronised API particles

Can Extrafine Dry Powder Aerosols Improve Lung Deposition?

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939641115003161
  • Optimal deep lung targeting occurs around 1–3 µm aerodynamic diameter

Inhaled Nano- and Microparticles for Drug Delivery

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4386009/
  • Confirms 1–5 µm particles achieve the highest deep lung delivery efficiency

Section 3

Dry Powder Inhaler Device Science

Comprehensive Overview of Dry Powder Inhalers

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224723004057
  • Device mechanics
  • Particle dispersion physics
  • Formulation considerations
  • Macrophage clearance considerations for inhaled particles

Quality by Design in Pulmonary Drug Delivery

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39095623/
  • Regulatory and pharmaceutical design frameworks for DPI development
  • Aerodynamic particle performance parameters

Dry Powder Inhalers for Delivery of Synthetic Biomolecules

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1044/8361/9141/files/pharmaceuticals-18-00175.pdf?v=1777283888
  • Why the lungs enable rapid, direct-to-bloodstream delivery
  • How inhalation bypasses digestion to preserve compounds
  • How inhalers deliver complex molecules systemically

Section 4

Carrier Particle Science

Leucine as an Excipient in Spray-Dried Powders for Inhalation

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33872799/
  • L-leucine improves aerosolisation performance and stability of inhaled powders

Physical Stability of Dry Powder Inhaler Formulations

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6981243/
  • L-leucine improves aerosol performance and protects powders from moisture degradation

Leucine Enhances the Dispersibility of Spray-Dried Powders

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33811968/
  • Leucine enhances particle dispersibility and inhalation performance in DPI formulations

Section 5

Inhalation Science & Supporting Research

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) improves lung function in rat lung

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-024-00758-1?utm
  • Experimental lung perfusion study showing NAD+ supplementation improved donor lung function, oxygenation, and pulmonary circulation markers.

Effect of nicotinamide riboside on airway inflammation

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-024-00758-1?utm
  • Clinical study showing NAD+ precursor supplementation increased NAD+ levels and reduced airway inflammation markers in COPD patients.

Glossary

NAD⁺
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - a coenzyme found in all living cells, essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signalling.
NMN
Nicotinamide mononucleotide - a direct biosynthetic precursor to NAD⁺, commonly used in supplementation.
DPI
Dry powder inhaler - a device that delivers dry powder directly to the respiratory system / airways.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters systemic circulation and is available for biological activity.
PARPs
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases - NAD⁺ dependent enzymes critical for DNA damage detection and repair.
Sirtuins
A family of NAD⁺ dependent deacetylase enzymes (SIRT1-7) that regulate ageing, inflammation, and metabolic health.
First-pass metabolism
The initial metabolism of an orally administered substance by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation, often reducing bioavailability.
Aerodynamic diameter
The diameter of a sphere with the same settling velocity as the particle in question - the key metric for predicting lung deposition.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate - the primary energy currency of cells, produced via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.
L-Leucine
An amino acid used as an excipient in DPI formulations to improve powder dispersibility, aerosolisation, and moisture resistance.
Electron transport chain
A series of mitochondrial protein complexes that transfer electrons to generate ATP - the final stage of cellular respiration.
Pulmonary delivery
Administration of a therapeutic substance via inhalation into the lungs for local or systemic effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NADairX®?

NADairX® is the world's first inhalable nutraceutical device that delivers pre-ground NAD⁺ and other active ingredients directly through the lungs for rapid absorption. It's a safe, convenient, and powerful alternative to IV drips or tablets.

How does NADairX® work?

Each capsule contains ultra-fine dry powder (<5μm) that disperses into a breathable vapour inside the inhaler. When inhaled, the ingredients enter the bloodstream through the lungs, offering faster and more efficient absorption than oral supplements.

What makes NADairX® different from NAD⁺ IV drips or tablets?

IVs are effective but time-consuming, invasive, and costly. Tablets and capsules are convenient but have low absorption (10-20%). NADairX® is fast, non-invasive, and highly bioavailable - combining the best of both worlds.

What is NAD⁺ and why is it important?

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It is essential for over 500 enzymatic reactions, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the activation of sirtuins - proteins linked to longevity and cellular resilience.

Why does NADairX® use inhalation instead of oral supplements?

Oral NAD⁺ supplements are largely degraded during digestion and first-pass liver metabolism, significantly reducing bioavailability. Pulmonary (inhalation) delivery bypasses the gut entirely, delivering NAD⁺ directly to the bloodstream via the lungs for up to 3x higher bioavailability.

What particle size does NADairX® target for lung deposition?

NADairX® targets an aerodynamic particle diameter of 1-5 µm, which peer-reviewed research confirms is optimal for deep lung (alveolar) deposition and rapid systemic absorption.

Is the science behind NADairX® peer-reviewed?

Yes. NADairX®'s formulation and device design are informed by extensively cited, peer-reviewed research in pulmonary drug delivery, particle science, and NAD⁺ biology. All references are listed on this page.

What role does L-leucine play in the formulation?

L-leucine is used as an excipient to improve powder dispersibility, aerosolisation performance, and moisture stability - ensuring consistent and reliable delivery with every use.

Want to Learn More?

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