Japan Bio Science Laboratory (JBSL) has been awarded a patent for its nattokinase ingredient NSK-SD. The patent, #7804957, was awarded for the ingredient’s ability to reduce advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs).

NSK-SD is a fermented soybean (natto) extract previously shown to exert thrombolytic effects, support blood flow, and help manage healthy blood pressure. Newer research has demonstrated that NSK-SD manages blood sugar health by reducing AGEs, which are proteins or lipids that become glycated from exposure to sugars. AGEs are involved in progression of diabetes and related complications.

The patent is the result of two studies. One study, “Effect of nattokinase on the pathological conditions in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats,” showed that nattokinase suppressed the production of AGEs in an animal model of diabetes.

The second in vitro study, presented at the 2025 meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society, showed how reducing AGEs can protect against tissue damage through mediating inflammatory macrophages. In the study, nattokinase was shown to suppress inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner, along with suppressing the nitric oxide-generating enzyme iNOS during the induction of inflammatory responses in inflammatory macrophages.

“AGEs are gaining more attention as a target for nutraceuticals that support healthy blood sugar levels,” said Vincent Hackel, president and CEO, JBSL-USA. “This new patent confirms how nattokinase (as NSK-SD®) suppresses production of AGEs, which contribute to inflammaging, a diabetes risk factor.”