Biotech Firm NADMED Gains €3.5M Series A Round for NAD Testing

Finnish biotech company NADMED has successfully raised €3.5 million to advance its innovative blood testing technology, focusing on the measurement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and glutathiones. The investment round, led by Nordic Science Investments (NSI), also saw contributions from Voima Ventures, University of Helsinki Funds, private European investors, and a grant from Business Finland.

NADMED, based in Helsinki, developed a pioneering test that measures all four forms of vitamin B3, known as NADs, and glutathiones directly from fresh blood samples. This test provides results within hours, detecting deficiencies and aiding in the prevention of various diseases. NADs and glutathiones are critical molecules involved in energy production, cellular repair, and protection against oxidative stress. Imbalances in these molecules have been linked to numerous age-related health issues, including metabolic disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and muscle atrophy.

The technology developed by NADMED, which is rooted in extensive research from Professor Anu Suomalainen Wartiovaara at the University of Helsinki, represents a significant leap forward in metabolic diagnostics. By utilizing a precise colorimetric quantification method, NADMED's technology achieves a level of accuracy comparable to that of mass spectrometry, a technique traditionally considered the gold standard for such measurements.

This innovative approach enables the efficient analysis of vital metabolites, such as NAD and glutathione, from even small volumes of fresh blood. The ability to perform these measurements swiftly and accurately addresses a growing need within the medical and pharmaceutical communities for dependable, high-speed diagnostic tools.

As interest in metabolic health and personalized medicine continues to rise, NADMED's technology positions itself as a crucial tool for understanding and managing a variety of health conditions linked to metabolic imbalances. Its capacity to deliver reliable results from minimal blood samples makes it particularly valuable for both clinical and research applications, enhancing the ability to diagnose, monitor, and tailor treatments for a range of diseases.

NADMED’s testing kits are intended for use in clinical laboratories and research settings, supporting various needs in drug development and personalized medicine. Jari Närhi, the CEO and co-founder of NADMED, emphasized that metabolism is becoming a crucial area of focus in medicine and biology. He predicts that NAD could become as significant as DNA in advancing our understanding of health and disease. The recent funding will support NADMED in expanding its technology and capabilities, which will enhance areas such as diagnostics, therapy monitoring, and the advancement of metabolic science. This growth aims to contribute to more personalized and effective medical solutions, reflecting the growing importance of metabolic factors in healthcare.

Alexandra Gylfe, Founding Partner at NSI, emphasized the strategic value of investing in NADMED, highlighting the company's impressive research foundation and extensive market potential. She noted that NADMED's innovative technology and its potential applications in personalized medicine and metabolic science make it a compelling investment opportunity. By leveraging NSI's well-established networks in the U.S. science and biotech sectors, Gylfe plans to support NADMED’s expansion into the American market. This strategic move aims to boost NADMED’s global presence and capitalize on growth prospects in the rapidly evolving fields of diagnostics and personalized health. Gylfe expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to help NADMED advance its unique technology and enhance its impact on the global stage.