The following was issued in a statement by AIDP, Inc.

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our founder and CEO, Edward Lee, PhD. For more than 30 years, Edward was a passionate advocate for our industry, supporting numerous trade organizations and advocacy groups. He worked tirelessly to elevate industry standards through honesty, transparency, and integrity. A PhD in mathematics, Edward believed deeply in accuracy, safety, high-quality ingredients, and measurable results.  

Edward’s vision and creativity helped establish entirely new standards within the industry. He and his lifelong partner, Jennifer Gu, PhD, senior vice president of R&D, were true pioneers—consistently identifying emerging trends well ahead of the market.   

Dr. Gu, who has been with the company from the beginning and is a major force behind the success of Magtein and other key ingredients. Dr. Jennifer Gu will assume the roles of CEO at AIDP and Threotech as well as the various board positions held by Dr. Edward Lee. She will be working with the strong management teams from both companies to accomplish and extend the vision Edward had for the companies.  

“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.  

One of Edward’s greatest passions was AIDP’s signature product, Magtein. He and Jennifer recognized its potential for supporting cognitive health and the critical role of magnesium in the human body. Magtein’s success is a direct reflection of Edward’s unwavering enthusiasm, dedication and belief in its impact. Its enormous commercial success led to the creation of ThreoTech, LLC in April 2024—a standalone company dedicated to the global expansion of Magtein. 

“Edward Lee’s passing is a profound loss to all of us at ThreoTech. 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,” said Rory Lipsky, executive vice president of ThreoTech. “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.” 

While we mourn his loss, AIDP and ThreoTech remain strong and fully committed to working with our partners, customers, vendors and employees with the same standard of excellence and focus that Edward instilled in us. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, employees, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.  

As AIDP enters its 30th year, we reflect on our growth from humble beginnings into a multinational company employing more than 60 team members worldwide. 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. “What Edward wanted most was to leave a legacy”  said Dr. Jennifer Gu, “and it is our mission now to finish his dream.”