Elysium Health

What it is

Elysium Health is a direct-to-consumer supplement brand co-founded by Leonard Guarente, with an unusual model: every product is supposed to be backed by a peer-reviewed clinical trial.

Flagship products

• Basis — nicotinamide riboside (NR) + pterostilbene to raise NAD⁺.
• Matter — combination targeting cognitive aging.
• Index — epigenetic-age testing service.

Trial track record

Several RCTs have been published showing that Basis raises blood NAD⁺ — an intermediate biomarker, not a hard endpoint. Subsequent trials in other indications have had mixed results; the company has positioned trial publication as part of brand identity.

Trade-offs

• Their trials use marker endpoints (NAD⁺ levels, blood pressure), not long-term healthspan endpoints.
• Cost is significant for compounds available cheaper elsewhere.
• Brand positioning is more scientific-feeling than the typical supplement marketing — this is appealing but should not be confused with hard-endpoint efficacy data.

Why it matters

Elysium represents an attempt to professionalise the longevity-supplement category with academic affiliations and clinical-trial publication. The broader pattern — supplement companies running and publishing trials — is a positive trend even if specific products underwhelm.

Related entries

NAD+ precursors, Sirtuins, Leonard Guarente.