AIDP Founder and CEO Edward Lee, PhD, Has Passed Away

The nutraceutical industry is mourning the loss of a longtime pioneer following the passing of Edward Lee, PhD, founder and CEO of AIDP and ThreoTech. Lee, who led AIDP for nearly three decades, was widely regarded as a science-driven entrepreneur with a commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation, an announcement from the company shared.¹

Based in City of Industry, California, AIDP announced Lee’s passing on March 2, 2026, noting his more than 30 years of advocacy on behalf of the industry. Trained as a mathematician, Lee brought analytical rigor to ingredient development, emphasizing validated science and measurable outcomes. His leadership philosophy centered on elevating industry standards through honesty and integrity.

Under Lee’s guidance, AIDP evolved into a multinational ingredient supplier with more than 60 employees worldwide. The company built its reputation on clinically researched ingredients positioned for wellness and healthy aging, along with proprietary solutions designed to solve formulation challenges. Lee was also known for mentoring companies, helping them in various endeavors. “Edward will be remembered as a dynamic entrepreneur whose curiosity and generosity shaped everyone who worked with him. He devoted himself to helping small and midsize companies develop innovative ingredients, and AIDP’s success—along with that of its partners—stands as a testament to his drive and supportive spirit,” said Mark Thurston, President of AIDP.

A defining achievement of Lee’s career was the commercial success of Magtein, a patented form of magnesium L-threonate positioned for cognitive health support. Recognizing the critical physiological role of magnesium, Lee, alongside his lifelong partner and scientific collaborator Jennifer Gu, PhD, helped bring Magtein to global markets. The ingredient’s growth ultimately led to the creation of ThreoTech, LLC in April 2024 as a standalone entity dedicated to expanding Magtein’s global footprint.

Jennifer Gu, Senior Vice President of R&D and a key scientific force behind Magtein and other core ingredients, will assume the role of CEO at both AIDP and ThreoTech, in addition to taking on Lee’s board responsibilities. Gu has been with the company since its inception and is credited internally with driving much of the scientific substantiation strategy that underpins AIDP’s portfolio.

ThreoTech Executive Vice President Rory Lipsky emphasized Lee’s integrity, vision, and the continuation of his mission. “Edward Lee’s passing is a profound loss to all of us at ThreoTech,” he stated. “Edward was not only an exceptional leader, but a person of deep integrity, generosity, and vision who left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with. His dedication and drive helped shape who we are today, and his legacy will continue to guide and inspire us as we work to realize his mission of making Magtein a household name.”

In their announcement, AIDP and ThreoTech leadership reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the scientific rigor and operational excellence that defined Lee’s tenure.

As AIDP enters its 30th year, the company’s next chapter will unfold under Gu’s leadership. “Our exceptional AIDP and Threotech management teams remain committed to carrying forward Edward’s legacy, honoring the values he instilled in our organizations, and continuing to grow both companies,” she explained. “What Edward wanted most was to leave a legacy and it is our mission now to finish his dream.”

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Reference

1. AIDP, ThreoTech. AIDP and ThreoTech announce passing of founder Edward Lee. Published March 2, 2026. Accessed March 2, 2026.