CHATSWORTH, Calif., May 18, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Natrol, Inc. (NTOL) , a leading manufacturer and distributor of nationally branded nutritional products, has entered into an exclusive patent licensing agreement with Oekopharm GmbH of Austria for the manufacture, sales, distribution and marketing of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH) in North America. The unique technology (patent pending) stabilizes NADH, which helps to promote optimal absorption and assures a long, effective shelf life for Natrol(R) NADH.(a)

"The proprietary chlorophyll-based stabilizing technology behind Natrol NADH helps promote optimal absorption, allowing individuals to achieve maximum cellular energy benefits," said Wayne Bos, president and chief executive officer, Natrol, Inc. "Furthermore, many individuals may appreciate the fact that Natrol NADH is sugar free and competitively priced."(a)
"Starting a business relationship exclusively with Natrol, Inc., was a very important step for our company to enter the United States market professionally and in a sustainable manner," stated Norbert Fuchs, founder, and Toby C. Carlin, Jr., spokesperson, of the Oekopharm-Group, one of Austria's leading companies in nutriological sciences. "From our experience, stabilized NADH enhances the activity in organs that develop a high metabolic turnover, like the brain, the circulation system, and muscles."(a)

In production for the first time in the United States, Natrol's new NADH will be produced in compliance with the National Nutritional Foods Association's GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and Natrol's own rigorous Quality Assurance practices.

Also known as coenzyme 1, NADH is a highly specialized form of the B-vitamin niacin that is found in all living cells. It plays a key role in the energy production of cells and neurotransmitter processes. Stabilized, intact NADH appears to work by entering "fatigued" cells to promote cellular energy production in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a nucleotide that facilitates intracellular energy transfer.(a)

Natrol is also announcing the introduction of 10mg NADH and 20mg NADH tablets (a dosage not previously available on the market). The products will be distributed in health food stores and online at www.natrol.com.
(a) These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

About Natrol
Founded in 1980, Natrol, Inc. (NTOL) is a diversified nutrition company that manufactures and markets premium-branded nutritional products, functional teas and sports fitness products under the Natrol(R), Laci Le Beau(R) Tea and Prolab(R) Sports Nutrition labels. Natrol markets more than 200 nutritional products designed to meet a wide range of consumer needs. The products are available at more than 54,000 food, drug, mass market and independent health food stores, catalogs and Internet sites, gyms and specialty stores nationally and in select foreign countries. For further information, visit www.natrol.com.