ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Ever wondered about the science behind healthy aging and how it translates into innovative products? ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC), now known as Niagen Bioscience Inc. since March 19, 2025, stands as a leader in this field, but how exactly did they get here and what's their story? With a strong finish to 2024, reporting a 19% increase in net sales reaching $99.6 million, and holding $44.7 million in cash with no debt, the company's journey is worth exploring.

From its beginnings to its focus on NAD+ research and its flagship ingredient Niagen, this article dives into the history, mission, and business model of a company dedicated to improving healthspan. Curious to learn how they're making waves in the nutraceutical industry and what drives their success? Keep reading to uncover the details!

ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) History

[Company's] Founding Timeline

Year established

The company was initially established in 1999.

Original location

The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Founding team members

The identities of the original founding team members are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results.

Initial capital/funding

Information regarding the initial capital or funding of the company is not available in the search results.

[Company's] Evolution Milestones

[Company's] Transformative Moments

• Focus on Niagen (NR): The strategic decision to focus on Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and its commercialization under the brand TRU NIAGEN was transformative. This positioned the company as a key player in the healthy aging market.
• NASDAQ Listing: Listing on NASDAQ in 2016 provided increased visibility, credibility, and access to capital, fueling further growth and expansion.
• Legal Battles for Intellectual Property: The company has been involved in significant legal battles to protect its intellectual property related to Niagen. These actions underscored the company's commitment to defending its market position and proprietary technology.

To gain more insights into the company's investors and their motivations, check out this link: Exploring ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) Ownership Structure

As a publicly traded company, the ownership of ChromaDex Corporation is distributed among various shareholders, including institutional investors, individual investors, and company insiders.

ChromaDex Corporation's Current Status

ChromaDex Corporation is a publicly traded company, which means its shares are available for purchase on the stock market. It is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol CDXC.

ChromaDex Corporation's Ownership Breakdown

The ownership of ChromaDex is distributed among various shareholders. Here is an overview:

ChromaDex Corporation's Leadership

The leadership team is responsible for the strategic direction and operational management. Key members of the leadership team as of April 2025 include:

• Robert N. Fried: Chief Executive Officer
• Brianna Gerber: Chief Financial Officer
• Dr. Andrew Shao: Senior Vice President of Global Regulatory & Scientific Affairs

More insights about the company's mission can be found here: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC).

ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) Mission and Values

ChromaDex operates with a commitment to improving global health through its innovative ingredient technologies and a dedication to scientific integrity and transparency. The company's core values revolve around pioneering advancements in nutraceuticals and fostering a culture of trust and reliability.

ChromaDex's Core Purpose

Official mission statement

ChromaDex's mission statement is to improve global health and wellness by discovering, developing and commercializing innovative, science-based ingredients and solutions.

• Focuses on science-backed ingredients: Highlighting the importance of research and development in creating effective products.
• Aims for global impact: Demonstrating a broad vision for improving health on a worldwide scale.
• Commits to innovation: Underlining the company's dedication to pioneering new solutions in the health and wellness sector.

Vision statement

While ChromaDex doesn't have a single, explicitly stated vision statement readily available, their actions and communications suggest a vision focused on leading the nutraceutical industry through scientific innovation and setting new standards for product quality and transparency.

• Lead the nutraceutical industry through scientific innovation.
• Setting new standards for product quality and transparency.
• To be recognized as a trusted source of health and wellness solutions.

Company slogan/tagline

ChromaDex uses taglines and phrases that emphasize the scientific backing and benefits of their key ingredient, Niagen® (nicotinamide riboside). These taglines often highlight cellular health and healthy aging.

• 'Niagen®: Cellular Health, Simplified. Healthy Aging, Amplified.'
• Emphasizes the role of Niagen® in promoting cellular health.
• Highlights the ingredient's benefits for healthy aging.

For more insights into ChromaDex's financial stability and investment potential, explore Breaking Down ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) How It Works

ChromaDex Corporation operates by discovering, acquiring, developing, and commercializing innovative, science-backed ingredients and dietary supplements, focusing primarily on nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, to improve human health.

ChromaDex's Product/Service Portfolio

ChromaDex's Operational Framework

ChromaDex's operational framework is built around a few core activities:

• Research and Development: Investing in scientific research to explore the benefits of NR and other ingredients.
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality Niagen® through strategic manufacturing partnerships.
• Sales and Marketing: Promoting Tru Niagen® directly to consumers through online channels, as well as supplying Niagen® to other businesses.
• Quality Control: Maintaining rigorous quality control standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of its products.

ChromaDex's Strategic Advantages

• Patented Technology: ChromaDex holds patents for Niagen®, providing a competitive advantage in the NR market.
• Scientific Validation: Backing its products with scientific research and clinical trials to build credibility and trust.
• Direct-to-Consumer Model: Selling Tru Niagen® directly to consumers allows for higher margins and greater control over the brand.
• B2B Partnerships: Supplying Niagen® to other companies expands market reach and revenue streams.

For more insights into ChromaDex's financial performance, you can check out: Breaking Down ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) How It Makes Money

ChromaDex Corporation primarily generates revenue through the development, marketing, and distribution of dietary supplements, ingredients, and related services, with a focus on its Niagen® (nicotinamide riboside) products.

ChromaDex Corporation's Revenue Breakdown

ChromaDex Corporation's Business Economics

ChromaDex's business economics are influenced by several key factors:

• Pricing Strategy: ChromaDex employs a premium pricing strategy for its Niagen® products, reflecting the patented nature and scientific backing of its key ingredient, nicotinamide riboside (NR).
• Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Managing the cost of raw materials, manufacturing, and packaging is crucial. Efficiencies in the supply chain and production processes directly impact gross margins.
• Operating Expenses: These include research and development (R&D), sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses. Investment in R&D is essential for developing new products and maintaining a competitive edge.
• Distribution Channels: ChromaDex utilizes a multi-channel distribution strategy, including direct-to-consumer sales, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, and partnerships with retailers and distributors.
• Intellectual Property: The strength and breadth of ChromaDex's patent portfolio for Niagen® are vital for maintaining market exclusivity and commanding premium pricing.

To gain more insight into the company's values, see: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC).

ChromaDex Corporation's Financial Performance

Key aspects of ChromaDex's financial performance include:

• Revenue Growth: ChromaDex has demonstrated substantial revenue growth in recent years, driven by increased consumer awareness and demand for Niagen®. For instance, in 2024, net sales increased to $76.1 million, up from $67.2 million in 2023.
• Gross Margin: The company's gross margin remained strong at approximately 62.8% in 2024, compared to 62.6% in 2023, reflecting its premium pricing strategy and efficient cost management.
• Operating Expenses: Operating expenses increased to $60.4 million in 2024 from $54.4 million in 2023, largely due to increased marketing and sales activities.
• Net Loss: Despite revenue growth, ChromaDex reported a net loss of $12.2 million in 2024, compared to a net loss of $11.7 million in 2023.
• Cash and Liquidity: ChromaDex maintains a healthy cash position to fund its operations and growth initiatives. As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $13.4 million.

These financial metrics provide a snapshot of ChromaDex's financial health and its capacity for sustained growth and innovation in the nutraceutical market.

ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC) Market Position & Future Outlook

As of April 2025, ChromaDex Corporation is navigating a dynamic market landscape, with a focus on expanding its presence in the nutraceuticals industry. The company's future outlook hinges on its ability to capitalize on growing consumer interest in healthy aging and dietary supplements, while effectively managing competitive pressures and regulatory challenges.

Competitive Landscape

Opportunities & Challenges

Industry Position

ChromaDex occupies a unique position within the nutraceuticals industry, emphasizing science-backed ingredients and a commitment to quality. Here are some key points:

• Focus on NAD+ Boosting: The company is primarily known for its Niagen® ingredient, a form of nicotinamide riboside (NR) that boosts nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels. NAD+ is a coenzyme crucial for cellular energy production and repair.
• Scientific Validation: ChromaDex invests heavily in research and clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of its ingredients. This scientific approach differentiates it from some competitors who rely more on marketing.
• Intellectual Property: ChromaDex holds patents related to NR and its uses, providing a competitive advantage.
• Partnerships: The company has established partnerships with research institutions and consumer brands to expand the reach of its ingredients.

To gain more insights into the company's core values, refer to Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of ChromaDex Corporation (CDXC).