Educational resource only; no medical advice, dosing instructions, injection guidance or treatment recommendations.
Laboratory vials and molecular models behind guidance on how to read research evidence.
Evidence • Clarity • Context

Understanding Evidence

Good decisions start with good information. Learn how to evaluate research on emerging compounds and related therapies, from early laboratory studies to clinical evidence, with a clear, balanced and U.S.-focused perspective.

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Evidence-based Neutral and educational No treatment recommendations
How we read research
  • Observe what the study actually measured
  • Evaluate design, size and controls
  • Compare with other published findings
  • Understand what it means in context

“Science in context turns data into understanding.”

Evidence Hierarchy

The evidence hierarchy.

Different types of research answer different questions. Studies at the top of the hierarchy generally provide stronger evidence, while early research can still offer valuable insights.

Human vs. preclinical evidence

Laboratory Research

In vitro studies

Early research in cells or biochemical systems to explore potential mechanisms.

Preclinical Research

Animal studies

Studies in animals to assess biological effects and potential safety signals.

Clinical Research

Human studies

Studies in people to evaluate safety, tolerability and effectiveness.

Replicated Evidence

Multiple studies

Findings confirmed by independent research groups over time.

Close-up of a laboratory microscope behind guidance on how to read a research study.
Reading Research

How to read a study.

Look beyond the headline. These key elements help you understand what a study can — and cannot — tell you.

Study Design

Is it a randomized trial, observational study or lab study?

Sample Size

How many people or samples were included?

Controls

Was there a control group or comparison to a placebo?

Population

Who was included? Are the results relevant to you?

Outcomes

What was measured? Were the results clinically meaningful?

Limitations

What were the study's known limitations?

Critical Thinking

Questions worth asking.

Use these questions to think critically about any research study.

  • 1What was studied? What specific question was the research trying to answer?
  • 2Who was included? Are the participants similar to the intended population?
  • 3Was there a control group? How were the results compared?
  • 4Were harms reported? What side effects or risks were observed?
  • 5Was it replicated? Have the findings been confirmed by other studies?
  • 6What are the limitations? Are there factors that might affect the results?
Red Flags

Interpret with caution.

Be mindful of common red flags that can indicate lower-quality evidence.

  • Exaggerated claims. Claims of “miracle” results or guaranteed outcomes.
  • Very small sample sizes. Studies with only a few participants may not be reliable.
  • No replication. Findings that have not been repeated by independent researchers.
  • Marketing hype. Research primarily used for promotional purposes.
  • Missing safety data. Studies that do not report potential harms or side effects.
Molecular models on a laboratory bench behind trusted research sources.
Trusted Sources

Start with reputable sources.

Independent, authoritative sources give you the most reliable picture of the research.

Research articles
PubMed®

A comprehensive database of biomedical literature from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Visit PubMed
FDA

Regulatory information, safety updates and approvals from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Visit FDA
ClinicalTrials.gov

Search registered clinical studies around the world and check their current status.

Visit ClinicalTrials.gov
Peer-Reviewed Journals

Studies published in reputable, independent peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Read a research summary
Study types in practice

What scientists know from human data compared with earlier preclinical work.

Read the comparison
Open questions

A look at published GLP-1 research and the questions that remain open.

Read the summary
Quality standards

How research-grade peps are discussed in terms of identity, purity and laboratory use.

Read the guide
Batch documentation

Certificates of analysis used to review composition before laboratory work begins.

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Keep exploring

Read research articles, review laboratory documentation, or browse compounds supplied for research use only.

Research Articles Research Catalog Understanding Safety