EZZ signs agreement with University of Auckland to conduct product research
EZZ has signed a contract for service agreement with the University of Auckland to conduct research on anti-aging and immune-stimulation products.
EZZ Life Science (ASX: EZZ) said the deal with University of Auckland builds on success of a previous study the company undertook with Professor Jun Lu in 2022 which evaluated the absorption of Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and other bioactive compounds in various health products.
With an increasingly health conscious population, China is the world’s biggest consumer of NMN accounting for ~68% of global consumption.
Research published by Nature Media notes the global NMN market was valued at US $253 million in 2020 and is projected to reach US $386 million by the end of 2027.
Research into anti-aging and HPV
Professor Lu, who has published over 150 journal articles on cancer research and biomedicines, is leading the research at the University of Auckland’s Bioengineering Institute.
The project began on 20 January 2023, and will conclude with a final report due on 20 January 2026.
The new research will test the anti-aging effect of NMN on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) using different NMN products from various commercial sources.
HUVECs are cells that line the inside of blood vessels, obtained from the vein of the human umbilical cord after a baby is born.
The research will also investigate the immune-stimulation effect of natural products on protection against Human papillomavirus (HPV).
The project will compare various health products containing different herbal extracts, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro will also be studied.
Implications for health supplements
EZZ chairman Glenn Cross said the research will build on the excellent outcomes of its 2022 research with the University of Auckland.
“This new project will further our understanding of the anti-aging effects of NMN and the immune-stimulation effects of natural products, and we are excited to see the results,” he said.
Professor Lu said he was thrilled to be working with EZZ once again and to be undertaking such exciting research.
“We believe that the results of this project will have significant implications for the development of health supplements and treatments, and we look forward to sharing our findings with the wider scientific community,” he said.
Broker Lodge Partners increased its price target from 84 cents to $1 for EZZ and maintained a buy rating, updating its investment thesis after the company reported a strong first half.
EZZ’s revenue grew by 143% on pcp to $15.13m, driven by higher-than-normal share of revenue from its higher-margin EZZ-branded products, as well as renewed sales into China.
This article was developed in collaboration with EZZ Life Science, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.