Kyowa Hakko highlights Cognizin research for brain health support in middle-aged and older adults

In a June 24, 2025, press release, Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd highlighted findings from various research on the cognitive effects of Cognizin, a branded form of citicoline, for aging individuals. Earlier this month, an oral presentation and poster presentation on Cognizin took place in Greece at the Symposium on Nutrition for the Ageing Brain, hosted by ILSI Europe. The presentation, titled “Unlocking Brain Health: Evaluating the Role of Cognizin Citicoline in Cognitive Function,” was led by Danielle Citrolo, PharmD, vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA, and Eri Nakazaki, PhD, manager in the health science department at Kirin Holdings.

The session explained results from randomized controlled trials, neuroimaging, and behavioral assessments on the patented citicoline. It also ilucidated the ingredient's mechanisms of action, including phospholipid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and mitochondrial function.

“Cognizin is backed by decades of clinical and preclinical research,” stated Citrolo. “We’re proud to share our latest findings with the global scientific community and continue contributing to the evidence base for nutrition and cognitive health.”

Additionally, one study presented at ILSI Europe tested the effects of Cognizin Citicoline on focus and attention in middle-aged adults, specifically finding improvements in reaction time, cognitive performance, and Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) reaction time.

Nakazaki also presented a poster detailing findings on the attention and information processing effects of the ingredient in middle-aged adults. “Cognizin represents a science-driven solution to support brain health at any age,” stated Nakazaki. “Our findings reinforce the value of Cognizin as a nutritional intervention that aligns with the goals of healthy cognitive aging. Through both our oral presentation and poster, we aimed to demonstrate how Cognizin contributes meaningfully to the broader conversation on nutrition for the aging brain.”

Cognizin Citicoline is GRAS and can be a dietary ingredient in the US for foods and beverages, and in the EU as a novel ingredient for food supplements.

Kyowa Hakko will also present more on Cognizin as well as its glutathione ingredient Setria at booth #S3037 at IFT FIRST, taking place July 13 – 16, in Chicago. Setria, the press release explained, is intended to support detoxification, immune health, respiratory health, and skin health.