Interview with Dr. Cherry Lo: The Scientist behind our Longevity Product Line
24.03.2025
Dr. Cherry Lo, Ph.D., is a researcher specialising in pathology and immunity, with degrees from CUHK and the University of Hong Kong. Her work focuses on the interaction between NK cells and rheumatoid arthritis, providing new insights into disease mechanisms. As a research scientist, she contributes to advancements in longevity science. With a passion for immunology and translational research, Dr. Lo is dedicated to uncovering innovative solutions for age-related diseases and immune health.
We noticed that NAD+ is a key factor in life, as it is involved not only in metabolism and DNA repair but also serves as an electron-transferring agent throughout the body.
Can you tell us about your academic and professional background?
I completed my MPhil at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and earned my PhD at the University of Hong Kong, focusing on pathology and immunity. My research has contributed to understanding the relationship between NK cells and rheumatoid arthritis, offering new insights into biological pathology. After completing my PhD, I joined GeNAD as a lead research scientist.
When did you first become interested in NMN, and why?
As a graduate student, I recognised that NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is essential for life - it plays a key role in metabolism, DNA repair, and energy transfer. At that time, Dr. Shin-Ichiro Imai introduced the "NAD+ World 1.0" concept, and Dr. David Sinclair discovered the link between NAD+ depletion and aging. Their findings highlighted NMN as an ideal NAD+ precursor due to its high oral bioavailability, efficiency in converting to NAD+, and excellent safety profile. That’s when our interest in NMN began.
What is NMN and why is it important?
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a direct precursor to NAD+, a crucial coenzyme involved in metabolism, cellular repair, and longevity. Within our cells, an enzyme called NMNPT converts NMN into NAD+ using ATP, ensuring energy production, DNA repair, immune function, and circadian rhythm regulation. Without NAD+, life cannot exist - it is fundamental to all living organisms.
Is NMN safe for human consumption?
Yes, NMN is naturally produced in the body and has been studied extensively in clinical trials. Research confirms its safety, with the latest studies supporting a daily dosage of up to 1,250 mg.
What evidence supports NMN’s effectiveness?
Hundreds of scientific studies demonstrate NMN’s impact on energy metabolism, cognitive function, immune response, DNA repair, and aging-related processes.
What are the five biggest benefits of NMN?
- Regulates circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle).
- Boosts metabolism and energy production.
- Supports immune function and reduces inflammation.
- Enhances cognitive function and brain health.
- Aids in DNA repair and cellular longevity.
Can NMN increase health span?
Yes, NMN plays a critical role in maintaining cellular energy, immune function, and DNA integrity. By boosting NAD+ levels, NMN helps sustain metabolic efficiency, supports cognitive function, and regulates essential biological pathways, such as SIRTUIN activation, which influences longevity. Without sufficient NAD+, biological processes decline, leading to metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration.
What are sirtuins, and why are they important?
Sirtuins are a family of proteins that regulate longevity, metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular health. They depend on NAD+ to function and are essential for maintaining optimal health and aging.
How can we activate Sirtuins, and what supplements support this?
Sirtuins can be activated through diet and supplementation. Natural activators include:
- Caffeine (found in coffee).
- Curcumin (found in turmeric).
- Quercetin (found in apples, blueberries, and onions).
However, NAD+ is the most critical cofactor for Sirtuin activation, making NMN a key supplement for supporting their function.
How does NMN compare to NR, and why is NMN superior?
Both NMN and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) are part of the NAD+ salvage pathway, but NMN is more efficient.
- NR requires two ATP molecules to be converted into NAD+, while NMN requires only one, making NMN a more direct and efficient precursor.
- NMN is more stable in acidic environments, ensuring better absorption in the gut.
- NMN is actively transported into cells via the SLC12A8 transporter, whereas NR first needs to be converted into NMN before it can be used.
What is the enzymatic production method used to produce Manapuras NMN, and why is it preferred?
We use patented enzymatic synthesis technology to produce NMN. This method:
- Ensures 99.9% purity.
- Produces only the active β-form of NMN, which is most effective in humans.
- Uses a sustainable, eco-friendly process, eliminating the need for chemical solvents or hazardous waste.
What makes our NMN unique?
- Exclusive full-chain enzymatic synthesis, ensuring high bioavailability and purity.
- 99.97% purity with no chemical residues.
- Greater stability, preventing degradation and maintaining potency over time.
- Human-compatible production, using the same metabolic pathways found in our bodies.
Does NMN support brain health?
Yes, NMN enhances cognitive function and protects brain health by:
- Providing ATP (energy) needed for brain activity.
- Activating Sirtuins, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Supporting DNA repair and neuronal protection.
Studies show NMN may aid in conditions like dementia, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries.
Can NMN improve sleep and physical performance?
Yes, NMN supports circadian rhythm regulation by activating SIRT1 and SIRT6, which control key sleep-related genes (BMAL1, PER, and CLOCK). This helps optimize sleep patterns and improves energy levels and recovery.
Can NMN help with hangovers?
Yes, NMN aids alcohol metabolism by supporting alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, two enzymes that break down alcohol. It helps speed up detoxification, reduces acetaldehyde buildup (which causes hangovers), and protects liver function.
Does NMN need to be taken with food?
There is no strong evidence that food affects NMN absorption.
Can NMN be taken with other longevity supplements?
Yes, NMN pairs well with:
- TMG (Trimethylglycine) – Supports methylation and NAD+ recycling.
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PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) – Enhances mitochondrial function.
- Glutathione & Vitamin C – Provide antioxidant support.
Where do you see the longevity market in five years, and what role will NMN play?
NMN is becoming a core supplement for longevity, similar to how Vitamin C is universally recognized for health. Future longevity research will likely focus on gene regulation, epigenetics, and enzymatic co-factors like NAD+ and Coenzyme A, making NMN an essential part of healthspan optimization.
How will NMN evolve in the future?
Innovations in NMN will include:
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New delivery systems for targeted organ absorption.
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Different NMN salt forms to enhance bioavailability.
- Applications in medicine, including HIV treatment, fertility support, and anti-aging skincare.
What recent breakthroughs in NMN research should people know about?
Recent studies highlight NMN’s role in:
- Type 2 diabetes management – NMN helps restore pancreatic beta-cell function and improves insulin secretion.
- Cardiovascular health – NMN enhances blood vessel function and angiogenesis.
- Bone fracture healing – NMN promotes skeletal stem cell proliferation, accelerating recovery from fractures.
