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Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —
Definition
NAMPT, in plain English
The NAMPT gene makes the enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase. NIH's gene database describes it as joining nicotinamide with a molecule called PRPP (5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate) to make NMN.
Because this is the slowest step in the salvage pathway, NAMPT activity largely sets how fast cells can recycle nicotinamide into NAD+.
- Full name
- Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase
- Makes
- NMN from nicotinamide
- Role
- Rate-limiting step of salvage
How it connects
How NAMPT relates to NAD+
NAMPT also exists outside cells, where it's called extracellular NAMPT or visfatin. Scientists are studying how both forms change with age, exercise and disease.
For your treatment
What NAMPT means for NAD+ therapy
There are no approved medicines that boost NAMPT to raise NAD+. NAMPT blockers have been tested as cancer drugs, a reminder that NAD+ biology cuts both ways.
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Questions
NAMPT: common questions
What is NAMPT?
NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase) is the enzyme that turns nicotinamide into NMN. It's the rate-limiting step of the salvage pathway that recycles NAD+.
Can I boost NAMPT?
Exercise has been linked to higher NAMPT in muscle in research studies, but there's no approved treatment that raises NAMPT for NAD+ purposes.
Is NAMPT the same as visfatin?
Visfatin is another name for the form of NAMPT found outside cells.
Does NAD+ therapy change how these enzymes work in people?
That hasn't been shown. Most research on NAD+ enzymes comes from cells and animals.
Are there medicines that target NAD+ enzymes?
Yes, in cancer care: PARP inhibitors treat some cancers, and a CD38 antibody (daratumumab) treats multiple myeloma. They aren't used to raise NAD+.
Why does enzyme research matter for NAD+ therapy?
It explains why NAD+ is worth studying. Plausible biology isn't the same as proof that NAD+ therapy helps people.
Keep learning
Related NAD+ terms
Terms that connect to NAMPT, each explained on its own page.
- Enzymes & pathwaysNAD+ salvage pathwayThe NAD+ salvage pathway recycles nicotinamide, which is released whenever enzymes use NAD+, back into NAD+. It's the main way most human cells keep their NAD+ supply topped up.
- Vitamins & precursorsNicotinamideNicotinamide, also called niacinamide, is a form of vitamin B3. It's the building block the body recycles to remake NAD+, and unlike nicotinic acid it doesn't cause skin flushing.
- Vitamins & precursorsNicotinamide mononucleotideNicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is the molecule one step before NAD+. The body makes it from nicotinamide or NR, and it's studied, and sold, as a way to raise NAD+.
- MoleculesNAD+NAD+ is the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in every living cell. It carries electrons for energy metabolism and is used by enzymes involved in DNA repair.
Official sources
NAMPT: sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- NIH National Center for Biotechnology InformationNAMPT nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase [human] (NCBI Gene)
Gene record for NAMPT, the enzyme that turns nicotinamide into NMN.
- NIH PubMed CentralCovarrubias et al. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing (2021)
Review of how NAD+ works in cells and how levels change with age.
- NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsNiacin: Health Professional Fact Sheet
Explains how the body turns niacin (vitamin B3) into NAD, a coenzyme used by more than 400 enzymes.
- NIH PubMedNAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: a benefit/risk analysis (2020)
Weighs early promise against the lack of long-term human trials.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G., on October 12, 2026. This glossary is general education, not medical advice. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, and compounded NAD+ is not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Talk with a licensed provider before starting any supplement or treatment.
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