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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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Ensuring Compliance in Decentralized Clinical Trials
Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are transforming the way we approach clinical research by enabling more flexible and patient-centric methodologies. As companies embrace these trials for everything from supplements to skincare products, ensuring compliance in DCTs becomes essential. This blog will explore the critical elements of compliance in decentralized clinical trials and offer strategies to navigate these evolving landscapes successfully. What Are Decentralized Clin
Ben Brockman
1 day ago5 min read


How Traditional Marketing Powers CPG Product Success
In a world dominated by digital ads and social media, traditional marketing still holds an indispensable place in the playbook of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands. From memorable TV commercials to in-store promotions, traditional strategies not only enhance visibility but also build trust and loyalty among consumers. For CPG brands incorporating clinical trials into their claims, traditional marketing becomes a powerful tool to highlight scientifically validated benefits,
Ben Brockman
4 days ago6 min read


The Role of Pilot Studies in Clinical Trials
When it comes to clinical trials, a pilot study is an invaluable tool for ensuring success. Acting as a trial run for the full-scale study, a pilot study allows researchers to refine methodologies, identify potential issues, and determine the feasibility of their research design. In industries like skincare, supplements, cosmetics, and pet health, conducting a pilot study can significantly improve the quality and credibility of claims, saving both time and resources in the l
Ben Brockman
6 days ago5 min read


How ePRO Solutions Improve Clinical Trial Data Quality
Health and wellness brands are under increasing pressure to back up their claims with real evidence, not just testimonials or internal testing. At the same time, consumers care more than ever about how a product actually makes them feel, whether that is better sleep, improved digestion, or increased energy. Capturing those real-world experiences in a structured, credible way is where ePRO solutions come in. ePRO solutions (electronic Patient-Reported Outcome solutions) are di
Ben Brockman
Mar 274 min read


How to Ensure Data Security in Decentralized Clinical Trials
Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) have revolutionized the way clinical research is conducted. By utilizing technology to reach participants remotely, these trials have opened doors to faster enrollment, greater diversity, and enhanced convenience for both researchers and participants. However, as with any technology-driven process, data security in decentralized clinical trials has become a critical concern. Protecting sensitive health information (PHI) while ensuring com
Ben Brockman
Mar 235 min read


How the GRAS Process Works for New Food Ingredients
If you develop products in the food, beverage, or supplement space, you have probably encountered the term GRAS. It shows up in ingredient documentation, regulatory discussions, and safety evaluations, but many brands are not fully clear on what it actually means or how it works. Understanding GRAS matters because it is one of the main ways companies demonstrate that an ingredient is safe for use in food products in the United States. This article explains what GRAS means, ho
Ben Brockman
Mar 94 min read


Microbiome Testing in Clinical Research
Microbiome testing is becoming a major focus for health and wellness brands, especially those in gut, skin, and immune health. But many teams are still unclear about what it actually measures and whether it is worth the investment. Microbiome testing is the analysis of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that live in a specific part of the body like the gut or skin. Brands use microbiome testing to understand how a product affects microbial balance, diversity, and com
Ben Brockman
Mar 45 min read


Global Expansion: The Role of CROs in International Clinical Trials
In the world of clinical trials, global expansion is becoming increasingly important. As companies look beyond domestic markets to introduce their products to an international audience, the role of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) becomes crucial. CROs provide the expertise, resources, and infrastructure needed to manage complex, multi-country clinical trials. But how exactly do CROs facilitate global clinical trials, and why are they essential? In this article, we’ll
Ben Brockman
Feb 276 min read


Metrics That Matter in CPG Marketing
When consumer preferences shift rapidly and competition is fierce, the brands that rise to the top are those that harness the power of data to craft smarter, more impactful marketing strategies. With countless marketing strategies and tactics available, it's crucial to track the right metrics that provide valuable insights into performance and areas for improvement. This post will highlight the key CPG marketing metrics that every brand should focus on to drive growth and en
Ben Brockman
Feb 205 min read


In Silico Testing in Clinical Trials: A High-Level Overview
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
Ben Brockman
Feb 184 min read


The Economic Impact of False Advertising
False advertising is often discussed as a legal or ethical issue. But for brands, the bigger story is economic. Misleading or unsubstantiated claims can quietly drain revenue, inflate costs, and limit long-term growth, even when no lawsuit ever happens. This article explains the real financial impact of false advertising, how those costs show up across a business, and when investing in evidence can help brands avoid expensive mistakes. False advertising negatively impacts th
Ben Brockman
Jan 304 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


The Power of the P-Value in Clinical Trials
In today’s wellness and beauty markets, science sells, but only when it’s credible. With phrases like clinically tested and scientifically proven flooding product packaging, savvy consumers and regulators are asking the same question: Where’s the data? One key number that often makes or breaks the credibility of a clinical trial is the p-value. Whether you’re launching a new supplement, skincare serum, or pet health product, understanding how p-values work, and what they actu
Ben Brockman
Jan 53 min read


The Ethics Behind Informed Consent Forms
When it comes to clinical trials, participants need to know exactly what they're signing up for, and brands must uphold transparency to build credibility. This is where the informed consent form becomes a cornerstone of ethical research. Far more than just paperwork, it’s a vital communication tool that protects both participants and the integrity of your clinical trial. What is an Informed Consent Form? An informed consent form (ICF) is a legal and ethical document provided
Ben Brockman
Dec 26, 20253 min read


What Is Statistical Significance in Clinical Research?
In an industry overflowing with bold claims and buzzwords, statistical significance is one of the few tools that can truly separate credible brands from the crowd. For health and wellness categories, clinical research isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. But not all research is created equal. The difference between “nice to have” results and real, marketable proof often comes down to whether your findings are statistically significant. Let’s dive into what that actually mea
Ben Brockman
Dec 22, 20253 min read


What Does NSF Certified Really Mean?
There’s a tiny mark that speaks volumes. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t shout. But to savvy consumers, “NSF certified” is a silent stamp of approval, an assurance that what they’re buying is clean, tested, and trustworthy. In an era where wellness brands are under the microscope, NSF certification is more than just a badge, it’s a business advantage. Whether you’re creating a plant-based protein, an organic skincare serum, or a calming supplement for pets, earning NSF certificat
Ben Brockman
Dec 15, 20254 min read


The Science Behind Ingredient Verification
Imagine this: a beautifully branded skincare serum promises visible results in 7 days. The label lists high-potency botanical actives, but a quick lab test reveals only trace amounts, or worse, substitutions. The product might still smell nice and feel luxurious, but the trust? Gone. This isn’t a rare case, it’s an everyday risk in today’s fast-moving wellness, supplement, and beauty markets. That’s where ingredient verification comes in. It’s more than a checkbox on a compl
Ben Brockman
Dec 12, 20254 min read


How to Build Better Label Claims with Data
Ever stared at a bottle of face serum or a jar of pet supplements and thought, “Can it really do all that?” You're not alone, and your customers are asking the same thing. These bold promises, known as label claims, are the billboard of your brand. They tell shoppers what to expect, why your product is special, and why they should trust you with their skin, health, or pets. But here’s the truth: catchy claims are only half the battle. The real magic? Being able to prove them
Ben Brockman
Dec 10, 20254 min read
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