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Clinical trials and Research Blog
The Citruslabs blog covers all things clinical trial patient recruitment and retention as well as exciting news and developments in the medical research industry. Browse our recent posts or search for a topic you're interested in to learn more.
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What Is an Open Label Study and Why It Matters for Product Claims
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
Ben Brockman
Feb 23 min read


How to Build a Strong Partnership with Your Contract Research Organization
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 284 min read


Collagen Clinical Studies for Modern Brands
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 263 min read


Real-World Data vs. Real-World Evidence: Understanding the Difference
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 233 min read


How to Avoid Participant Dropouts in Clinical Trials
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 193 min read


What Are Adverse Events in Clinical Trials?
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?
Ben Brockman
Jan 143 min read


What Brands Need to Know About Running a Parallel Group Study
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 123 min read


Why Crossover Studies Deliver Clearer Results
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 93 min read


How Dermatology Clinical Trials Prove Skincare Works
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
Ben Brockman
Jan 73 min read


What is eCOA in Clinical Trials?
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
Ben Brockman
Dec 19, 20254 min read


What Brands Need to Know About Bioavailability Testing
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
Ben Brockman
Dec 5, 20253 min read


The Power of Clinical Trials for CBD Claims
The CBD industry has seen explosive growth over the past few years, with consumers turning to cannabidiol products for everything from stress relief to skincare. But with this rapid rise has come an equally rapid influx of brands, many making bold promises with little scientific backing. In a space where consumer skepticism is high and regulatory clarity is low, clinical trials for CBD products have become one of the most powerful tools for standing out. These trials, partic
Ben Brockman
Dec 3, 20254 min read


Why Contaminant Testing Matters For CPG Brands
Brands today are under more pressure than ever to back up their “clean” and “safe” claims, not just to satisfy consumer demand, but to avoid regulatory consequences. From supplements to skincare to pet health products, even trace levels of contaminants like lead, arsenic, or bacteria can effective formulations. Worse, contaminants are often invisible until a third-party lab flags them. As product recalls and warning letters become more common in the wellness space, contamina
Ben Brockman
Dec 1, 20253 min read


How Quality Testing Can Elevate Your Nutraceutical Brand
Walk down any supplement aisle or scroll through your social feed, and you’ll see it: a tidal wave of wellness products claiming to boost immunity, improve focus, support gut health, or deliver glowing skin. But how many of those claims are actually backed by data? Today’s consumers are asking smarter questions, and they’re not satisfied with vague marketing speak. They want proof. That’s where nutraceuticals quality testing comes in. In an industry with thousands of competin
Ben Brockman
Nov 28, 20253 min read


Guide to Clinical Evidence for Pet Product Claims
These days, the pet aisle is packed with products claiming to support everything from digestion to joint health. But not all pet product claims are created equal, so how can you tell what really works? That’s where clinical evidence comes in. Pet product claims, whether for calming supplements, joint support, or shiny coat formulas, must be backed by real data to earn the trust of modern pet parents. Without scientific support, claims like “supports mobility” or “boosts immun
Ben Brockman
Nov 26, 20253 min read


The Growing Importance of Prevention Trials
In the evolving landscape of wellness and functional health, prevention trials are becoming a vital piece of the puzzle. Unlike treatment trials, which assess how a product alleviates existing symptoms, prevention trials aim to answer a more proactive question: Can this product reduce the risk of a condition ever occurring? Whether you’re marketing supplements, skincare products, superfoods, or pet health formulas, prevention trials offer a scientifically grounded path to pro
Ben Brockman
Nov 24, 20253 min read


Misleading Claims in the Wellness Industry
You’ve seen it before, a new supplement that promises to “reset your gut in 24 hours” or a serum that claims to “erase a decade of wrinkles overnight.” These flashy statements are often wrapped in scientific-sounding language and peppered with phrases like “clinically backed” or “proven formula.” But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll often find a different story, one of misleading claims , vague evidence, and marketing spin. In an era where consumers crave both performa
Ben Brockman
Nov 17, 20253 min read


Why Good Manufacturing Practices are The Gold Standard for Product Safety
Imagine buying a skincare serum that claims to be "all-natural," only to find out it’s contaminated with harmful bacteria. Or a dietary supplement that promises high potency but delivers inconsistent results with each bottle. These are the kinds of risks Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) aim to eliminate. GMP guidelines ensure that products (whether supplements, cosmetics, or skincare) are manufactured under strict quality control measures, reducing the chances of contaminat
Ben Brockman
Nov 12, 20254 min read


How Telehealth is Revolutionizing Decentralized Clinical Trials
Decentralized clinical trials are redefining how research is conducted, bringing participation directly to people’s homes, and breaking down the traditional barriers of location, time, and access. At the heart of this transformation is telehealth: a powerful enabler of remote communication, monitoring, and data collection. In this article, we explore how telehealth is reshaping clinical trials, highlight its benefits and challenges, and examine what the future holds for this
Ben Brockman
Nov 7, 20254 min read


How Diverse Recruitment Transforms Clinical Trials
In today’s rapidly evolving wellness and consumer health landscape, representation isn’t just a value, it’s a vital part of credible research. Creating a truly impactful clinical trial starts with the people behind the data. As consumer health brands and wellness companies aim to serve broader audiences, ensuring diversity in participant recruitment is no longer optional, it’s essential. Inclusive research leads to more accurate results, stronger product claims, and a deeper
Ben Brockman
Nov 5, 20253 min read
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