Decentralized Clinical Trials Gain Momentum in Nutraceutical Sector as Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies
Key Insights
Bioenergy Life Science (search) completed a 30-day decentralized pilot study of its NAD+-boosting ingredient RiaGev-WS (search), achieving 71% supplement adherence and approximately 20% increase in NAD+ levels after 20 days.
The company's remote trial model replaces traditional site-based CRO studies, aiming to reduce costs while generating real-world evidence for nutraceutical product claims.
KGK Science (search) secured a growth investment led by Maxim Partners (search) to expand clinical trial capacity, including decentralized and virtual trial capabilities, amid growing demand for clinically validated consumer nutrition products.
The nutraceutical industry is witnessing a strategic shift toward decentralized clinical research as ingredient suppliers and contract research organizations respond to mounting regulatory demands for product-specific evidence. Two recent developments—a completed decentralized pilot study by Bioenergy Life Science (search) (BLS) and a growth investment in KGK Science (search)—underscore how the sector is adapting to an environment where health claims face heightened scrutiny from agencies including the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Bioenergy Life Science (search) has announced the completion of a 30-day decentralized pilot study evaluating 750 mg of its NAD+-boosting ingredient RiaGev-WS (search), conducted in collaboration with Vermont Food Science. The study represents what the company describes as a departure from traditional site-based CRO models, instead allowing participants to evaluate the ingredient in their everyday environments without dietary restrictions or tightly controlled dosing schedules.
Michael Crabtree, General Manager at Bioenergy Life Science (search), framed the approach as a response to a growing challenge for dietary supplement manufacturers. "When companies want to use our products, we can now say they have been studied using gold-standard protocols such as double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, while being researched in everyday settings," Crabtree said. "This enables our partners to build robust safety and efficacy dossiers at a fraction of the usual cost."
Pilot Study Results and Methodology
The pilot enrolled participants aged 40–59 and recorded a 71% supplement adherence rate with no reported adverse events. Approximately 85% of participants reported overall product satisfaction, with self-reported perceived improvements in energy, mood, mental clarity, and sleep quality.
A notable methodological feature was the use of a proprietary dried blood spot assay for measuring NAD+ levels. Traditional whole-blood NAD+ testing presents logistical challenges because samples require rapid stabilization. The dried blood spot approach enabled participants to collect samples remotely and send them directly for analysis. According to BLS, the assay recorded an approximately 20% increase in NAD+ after 20 days of supplementation.
BLS indicated it is now planning a larger 100-participant decentralized study over an eight-week period to evaluate a practitioner-focused formulation combining NAD+ with an additional active ingredient.
Regulatory Context Driving Change
The shift toward decentralized and product-specific evidence generation comes amid evolving regulatory expectations. In 2022, the FTC strengthened its guidance on substantiation for health product advertising, emphasizing the need for evidence that directly supports the marketed product rather than relying solely on ingredient-level data. The FDA similarly recommends that manufacturers ensure evidence is relevant to the specific product and claim, scientifically sound, and adequate within the context of the total body of evidence.
KGK Science (search) Secures Growth Investment
In a parallel development, KGK Science (search)—a North American CRO specializing in nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and consumer health—announced it has received a growth investment led by Maxim Partners (search). The investment, which closed at the end of last month, will support expansion of clinical trial capacity, continued investment in decentralized and virtual clinical trials, and growth of regulatory and commercial services. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, KGK Science (search) has completed more than 400 clinical trials across more than 40 health indications and contributed to more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications. The company provides human clinical research, regulatory consulting, and claim substantiation services to consumer health companies globally.
"Demand for clinically validated consumer nutrition products continues to grow," said Gregg Wilson, founder and Managing Partner of Maxim Partners (search). "We believe KGK is exceptionally well positioned to capitalise on those long-term industry trends. We are excited to partner with Najla and the management team to support the company's next phase of growth."
KGK founder and CEO Najla Guthrie and the existing management team will continue to lead the company.
Evidence as Competitive Advantage
Both developments highlight the growing strategic importance of clinical research and claim substantiation in the nutraceutical sector. As supplement brands face increasing pressure to substantiate product-specific claims while managing development costs, decentralized clinical trials could become an increasingly attractive option for ingredient suppliers seeking to differentiate their scientific credentials and support commercialization strategies. For KGK Science (search), the Maxim Partners (search) investment is expected to provide additional capacity to support nutraceutical and consumer health companies developing evidence-backed products for global markets.