De-risking strategic investments in crowded supplement markets
Uncover how a global health company used clinical validation to fast-track a science-backed cognitive supplement in 12 months.
THE WORLD’S TOP COMPANIES WORK WITH PRESCOUTER
At a glance outcomes
products mapped to reveal claim gaps and competitor overlaps
ingredients analyzed across 46 clinical studies for measurable benefits
actives recommended with strong cognitive and visual outcomes
month roadmap for confident market entry and reduced R&D risk
ingredients shortlisted via effect-size modeling for cognitive gains
investment paths de-risked with validated claims and evidence-backed insights
The challenge
A global health company aimed to launch a new supplement within 12 months to capture an untapped market. The category was crowded with 35 competing products and 26 active ingredients lacking clear synergy. To stand out, the company needed a clinically validated formula and credible claims to guide confident investment decisions.
Our approach
Map the market landscape
We reviewed 35 existing products built on 26 active ingredients to understand competitive saturation. This analysis revealed gaps in clinical alignment and claim credibility across leading formulations, exposing clear opportunities for evidence-led differentiation.
Standardize clinical data
Our team collected and normalized data from 46 peer-reviewed studies across all shortlisted ingredients, comparing effect sizes and relevance across target populations. This filtered noise and spotlighted ingredients with measurable cognitive and visual outcomes.
Shortlist evidence-backed active
By applying rigorous effect-size screening (Cohen’s d > 0.5), five promising candidates were isolated, validated through consistency checks and alignment with market needs. The final recommendation focused on three core actives showing strong, reproducible clinical benefits.
Assess claim credibility
We benchmarked 21 product claims against supporting evidence and study conditions, flagging mismatched dosage levels, unverified populations, and preclinical-only backing. This analysis outlined credible pathways to develop regulator-ready claims grounded in clinical relevance.
Translate insights into strategy
In the last stage, we delivered actionable guidance for an evidence-led launch by framing a clear claim architecture anchored in measurable biomarkers. The outcome empowered stakeholders with data to guide capital allocation and accelerate go-to-market confidence.
Our approach
Map the market landscape
We reviewed 35 existing products built on 26 active ingredients to understand competitive saturation. This analysis revealed gaps in clinical alignment and claim credibility across leading formulations, exposing clear opportunities for evidence-led differentiation.
Key findings
We performed a meta-analysis by normalizing data and comparing the clinical effect size of each ingredient, then shortlisted five candidates with the most relevant effects.
- Gaps in market
The market has 35 products and 26 actives, yet most lack synergy or credible differentiation.
- Three strong ingredients
Only three of 46 clinically tested ingredients delivered strong, consistent cognitive and visual results.
- Claims exceed evidence
Out of 21 claims analyzed, most relied on weak evidence, mismatched doses, or studies in unrelated populations.
- Rigor Reveals Gaps
Using Cohen’s d > 0.5 exposed only decision-grade ingredients, removing noise from weaker findings.
- Clear path
Competitors depend on vague claims; data-driven positioning offers a fast route to category leadership.
- Ready for audiences
Shortlisted actives proved benefits across children, adults, and elders, enabling age-targeted formulations.
Exclusive strategic recommendations
Pathway groups
- Immediate action
Data-driven differentiation
Launch a lean, science-backed supplement with clinically proven actives (d > 0.5) to stand out in a 35-player market.
- Mid-term strategy
Credibility through evidence
Center R&D and marketing on 3 clinically proven actives with cognitive and visual benefits, backed by age-specific claims.
- Long-term vision
Build scientific authority
Create a biology-driven platform with measurable health markers and transparent meta-analyses to sustain market trust.
PreScouter recommended:
- Launch a focused, evidence-driven supplement that stands apart from 35 undifferentiated competitors.
- Invest in three shortlisted ingredients with consistent cognitive and visual performance benefits.
- Leverage measurable brain and vision health markers to substantiate claims competitors cannot match.
- Lead with transparent, data-backed messaging that earns lasting consumer and regulatory trust.
What our client gained
Validated formula from 46 studies, spotlighting 3 actives with strong cognitive and visual gains.
Mapped 35 products and 26 actives, exposing claim gaps and weak synergy.
Focused on effect sizes >0.5 to ensure measurable, decision-grade outcomes.
Built a science-first roadmap, cutting risk and boosting regulatory confidence.
Hear from the people we work with
No promises. Just outcomes.
"To have PreScouter on our team is like having an infinite number of experts in every imaginable area of research."
Inna Maltseva
Senior Principal Scientist, R&D, CooperVision
"Their professionalism and attention to our desired outcomes was very much appreciated."
James (JC) Wayne
Strategy & Optimization Manager, AES
"The account team is amazing."
Christopher Cortina
Senior Director of Marketing, Bausch + Lomb
"Any time we need unbiased perspective on the subject, Prescouter delivers consistent superior quality intel on our tight timelines."
Vlad Zaitsev
Director of Strategic Insights & Analytics, Abbott
"They have been very service-minded, helpful and professional during the process."
Thor Johan Aksland
Senior Technology Engineer,
Aker BP
"Open to feedback and came back with client-focused solutions."
Sameer Upadhyaya
VP Engineering,
Edwards
"Very well structured and comprehensible meetings and documentation."
Peter Barth
Global Product Manager Jointing Solutions, Georg Fischer
"They did a great job walking through the highlights of the report- respectful and receptive to questions."
David Grissom
Senior Director Global Customer Experience and Commercial Analytics, Taconic
"I think right now this is the most cost effective research expenditure we have going like this."
Alex Gafford
VP Research & Development, CharBroil
"It's much more cost-effective to have PreScouter provide the library, literary, and scientific research we need."
Daryl Sauer
Frm Senior Manager, Scientific Assessment, Abbvie
"Polite, accommodating and easy to work with."
Henrik Wassard
Senior Process Engineer, Ørsted
"They provided reports with an appropriate amount of detail to explain the technology to someone unfamiliar with it."
Kendall Sampson-Kitzul
Applied Process Technology Engineer, Mosaic
"Great quality of work shown from day 1. Deep understanding of our needs and consistently delivering results, sometimes exceeding our expectations."
Romain Aubris
New Product Planning & Market Insight Program Lead, Sanofi
"They've been a tremendous partner."
Christi Putman
Senior Director Research and Development, Procter and Gamble
"They take time to understand the problem and ask all the right questions to ensure the research is done right first time."
Dave Coultas
Carbon Capture Principal Scientist, Infineum
"PreScouter was able to compile and analyze a large amount of information related to our project and present it in an organized fashion."
Luis Figueroa
Research and Development Engineer, Flowserve
"The PreScouter team was a pleasure to work with and effectively communicated useful insights from our customers."
Julia Brown
Strategic Marketing Manager, Phothera
"The technical depth at which PreScouter conducts their research is impressive when compared to other consulting firms."
Avi Robbins
President, Porex Life Sciences Institute & AG Industries, Filtration Group
"We found PreScouter to be an agile team that quickly uncovered viable alternative techs and raw materials to evaluate further."
John Clarke
Director of Photochromic Solutions & Systems, Transitions Optical
"We are heavily loaded already, and searching for third-party producers ourselves would have taken us a year."
Reto Franzelli
Global Director Procurement, Trinseo
"For the project we asked for, I do not think a more seasoned consultant would have done a better job. They delivered."
Keith Wilcoxen
Head of Strategic Partnerships, R&D, Tesaro
Start your investment validation project
Evidence-backed decisions create lasting market leadership. Acting now ensures your product strategy is grounded in proven science and built for success.
We help you move from research to readiness in 4 simple steps:
Get a custom evidence map
Access a validated matrix of active ingredients, their clinical effect sizes, and claim relevance. See where the science is strong and where gaps exist.
Evaluate product opportunities
Benchmark competitors across formulation, dosage, and evidence strength to identify white-space opportunities for differentiation and credibility.
Validate with experts
Engage subject-matter specialists to confirm study quality, interpret conflicting evidence, and align claims with regulatory expectations.
Launch with confidence
Turn validated research into strategic formulations, clear claims, and a de-risked investment roadmap to capture market share faster.
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Download the Case Study
See how PreScouter guided a global health leader to launch with confidence.