Enhanced Canine Performance, Protection and Survivability

Given the benefits of exercise on general health, orally active compounds that can mimic or potentiate the effects of exercise have been of keen interest as therapeutic and dietary ingredients. Our proposed approach for enhancement of USSOCOM Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) endurance and sensory performance using an exercise mimetic is based on the observation that age-related decline of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) can cause impaired muscle function and sensory performance in mammals. We have discovered that supplementation with NAD+ precursors in rodents can improve muscle performance and neovascularization of myofibrils. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring molecule that is produced by endogenous biosynthetic pathways. Administration of our formulated, proprietary NMN restored muscle microvasculature and exercise capacity in aged mice, and may also enhance the endurance and recovery of USSOCOM MPCs. The work proposed in this Phase 1 study will deliver a validated canine whole blood or serum assay to detect NMN and its metabolites, allowing us to examine dose-response pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships in Phase 2 MPC performance studies. In Phase 1, we will also design repeat dose performance and safety studies in MPCs to be performed in Phase 2, using data from our completed rodent model studies.