Clinical trials and Research Blog

Pet health research is evolving quickly, driven by higher consumer expectations and advances in science and technology. For pet health brands, these trends are not just interesting. They directly shape product development, claims, and competitive positioning. Emerging trends in pet health research include personalized care, advanced diagnostics, targeted nutrition and supplements, telehealth, mental wellness, and sustainability. For brands, the future of pet care depends on g

A baseline assessment in research is the initial set of measurements collected before any intervention begins. It establishes each participant’s starting point so researchers can accurately measure change over time. For health and wellness brands, a well-designed baseline assessment is what makes your study results credible. Without it, you cannot confidently show that your product influenced outcomes rather than natural variation or outside factors. At Citruslabs, baseline a

In the fast-evolving world of product development, in silico testing is emerging as a powerful and innovative tool. By leveraging advanced computer simulations and modeling, this method is transforming how brands in industries like cosmetics, skincare, supplements, superfoods, and pet health validate their products. Here’s a high-level overview of what in silico testing is, its benefits, applications, and why it’s gaining momentum in clinical trials. What is In Silico Testing

A usability study evaluates how real people interact with a product, packaging, or digital experience to identify friction, confusion, and improvement opportunities. For health and wellness brands, a usability study helps ensure products are easy to use, instructions are clear, and the consumer experience supports safety, compliance, and trust. If your product requires instructions, measurements, device assembly, or multi-step onboarding, usability testing is not optional. It

Sampling bias is one of the most common threats to credible research results. If your study participants do not accurately represent your target population, your findings may look strong on paper but fail in the real world. Sampling bias occurs when the participants selected for a study are not representative of the population the results are meant to reflect. It matters because biased samples can distort outcomes, limit generalizability, and weaken the credibility of product

If you are considering a clinical study for a health, wellness, or CPG product, one of the first questions you will ask is how long it will take. Timelines affect product launches, marketing plans, and regulatory confidence. Understanding what actually drives clinical trial length helps brands set realistic expectations and avoid costly surprises. Clinical trials typically take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years, depending on the study design, product type, and operational com

A placebo-controlled trial is one of the most commonly referenced study designs in clinical research, especially in health, wellness, and consumer product categories. Brands often see the term used in scientific publications or competitor claims but are not always clear on what it actually involves or when it is necessary. This article explains what a placebo-controlled trial is, how it works, and when this type of study makes sense for brands looking to generate credible, tr

Attrition bias is one of the most common and least understood sources of error in clinical and consumer research. It shows up when participants drop out of a study and those dropouts are not random. For brands relying on study data to guide decisions, this can quietly undermine confidence, credibility, and trust. This article explains what attrition bias is, why it matters, how it happens, and what brands can do to reduce its impact when running human studies. Attrition bias

Launching a topical product comes with an unspoken promise. That promise is that the product will be safe and comfortable when used by real people, not just in theory. For consumer brands, especially in skincare, personal care, and wellness, patch testing is often the first meaningful step toward understanding how a product interacts with human skin. It helps brands move from assumptions to evidence early, when decisions are easier and less costly to change. What Is Patch Tes

When brands talk about being clinically tested, the type of study behind that claim matters. One commonly used and often misunderstood research design is the open label study. Especially popular in supplements, skincare, cosmetics, superfoods, and pet health, an open label study offers valuable real-world insights, when designed and communicated correctly. In this post, we’ll break down what an open label study is, how it works, its benefits and limitations, and why it plays

Choosing a Contract Research Organization is one of the most important decisions you make when running a clinical study. The right CRO does more than execute a protocol. They help you reduce risk, stay aligned, and generate evidence you can stand behind. This article explains how to build a strong, productive partnership with your CRO, from the first conversation through post-study collaboration, so your trial runs smoothly and delivers meaningful results. A strong partnershi

Collagen is one of the most popular ingredients in supplements, foods, and beauty products. But popularity alone does not build trust. Brands increasingly rely on collagen clinical studies to understand what collagen actually does in humans and how to communicate those findings responsibly. This article explains what collagen clinical studies are, what they typically measure, and how brands use them to support product development and marketing decisions. Collagen clinical stu

Real-world data and real-world evidence come up constantly in conversations about product validation, clinical studies, and regulatory strategy. They sound similar, and they are closely related, but they are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference matters if you are deciding how to support a product claim, design a study, or communicate credibility to regulators, partners, or consumers. This article explains what each term means, how they connect, and when brands ac

Participant dropouts are one of the most common and costly challenges in clinical trials. When participants leave a study early, timelines slip, data quality suffers, and results can become harder to interpret. Dropouts in clinical trials happen when participants discontinue a study before completion, often due to burden, confusion, lack of engagement, or unmet expectations. You can reduce dropouts by designing participant-friendly protocols, setting clear expectations, maint

When conducting clinical trials, especially in the health and wellness space, it's vital to understand the concept of an "adverse event." These occurrences play a crucial role in trial evaluations, regulatory compliance, and the overall credibility of your brand. Whether you're testing a new skincare product, dietary supplement, or pet health solution, understanding adverse events can help you navigate clinical trials successfully. What Is an Adverse Event in Clinical Trials?

You’ve poured months, maybe years, into developing a product you believe in, whether it’s a glow-boosting serum, a gut health supplement, or a mobility chew for senior dogs. Now comes the hard part: proving it works. In a crowded market full of unverified claims, one of the most powerful ways to stand out is through clinical evidence. That’s where the parallel group study comes in, a trusted research design that gives brands the data they need to validate product claims and w

Clinical trials are the gold standard for validating the safety and efficacy of skincare products and dietary supplements. Within this landscape, the crossover study design stands out for its unique ability to minimize variability and optimize study efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a crossover study is, how it works, and why it's particularly valuable for brands in the skincare and supplement industries. What is a Crossover Study? A crossover study is a type

Walk down any skincare aisle, and you’ll see the same buzzwords everywhere, “clinically tested,” “proven results,” “dermatologist-approved.” But with so many products making big promises, how do you know which ones actually deliver? That’s where dermatology clinical trials come in.  These behind-the-scenes studies are the real reason some products earn trust while others fade fast. They’re how brands back up their claims and how consumers can feel confident that what you’re p

As wellness, skincare, and supplement brands increasingly invest in clinical trials to support their product claims, one term that's gaining traction is eCOA. But what exactly is eCOA in clinical trials, and why should brands in the beauty and wellness space care? Whether you're developing a new collagen supplement, a probiotic for pets, or a clinically backed moisturizer, understanding eCOA can help you enhance trial reliability, consumer trust, and marketing transparency. W

When it comes to health and wellness products, formulation often steals the spotlight, but here's the real question: Is your product actually doing what it promises? It’s not just about what’s in your supplement or superfood blend, it’s about what actually makes it into the bloodstream. That’s where bioavailability testing steps in as a key component. This underutilized yet powerful tool can mean the difference between a good product and a great one that delivers measurable r