| Dimension | Scoring Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Study Design | Human Phase IIb/III trials were conducted (METAOD study series) but failed to demonstrate significant weight loss vs placebo in larger trials. FDA GRAS status for food use. No RCT success for primary indication. |
5 / 25 |
| Sample Size | METAOD trials enrolled several hundred participants but multiple trials were stopped or showed null results. Sample sizes were adequate; evidence quality was not. |
4 / 20 |
| Replication | Primary developer (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, Australia) conducted all meaningful trials — single institution essentially. No successful independent replication. |
5 / 20 |
| Journal Impact Factor | Most publications in lower-tier journals (IF 1-2 range) or conference abstracts. No A-journal primary outcomes. |
8 / 15 |
| Funding Independence | Almost exclusively Metabolic Pharmaceuticals funded. Developer-funded with no independent confirmation of efficacy. |
7 / 10 |
| Population Diversity | Phase IIb enrolled predominantly Australian/Western populations. Narrow base. Score reflects limited data overall. |
1 / 5 |
| Researcher h-Index | Lead researchers from Metabolic Pharmaceuticals; h-Indexes not publicly prominent in literature. Conservative score. |
3 / 5 |