Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials spanning Early Phase 1 through Phase 2 evaluate the therapeutic potential and physiological impacts of equol, supported by pharmaceutical sponsors and academic institutions including Ausio Pharmaceuticals, the University of Colorado, Denver, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Research targets a broad spectrum of cardiovascular, neurological, and dermatological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, arterial stiffness, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and acne vulgaris. These studies range from completed and active trials in healthy individuals to recruiting protocols assessing vascular function, cognitive decline, and outcomes in childhood cancer survivors.

NCT Number Recruitment Conditions Sponsor/Collaborators Start Date Phases
NCT07194590 RECRUITING
Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage 3-4); Vascular Function; Cognitive Functions; Cerebrovascular Function; Blood Pressure
University of Colorado, Denver
2026-02-19 PHASE2
NCT06128278 RECRUITING
Chronic Kidney Diseases; Vascular Function; Women
University of Colorado, Denver
2023-03-07 PHASE2
NCT05741060 ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Arterial Stiffness; White Matter Lesions; Cognitive Decline
Akira Sekikawa
2023-06-29 PHASE2
NCT07742501 COMPLETED
Cognition; Mood
University of Reading
2024-11-01
NCT07742514 COMPLETED
Cognition; Mood
University of Reading
2024-11-14
NCT03101085 COMPLETED
Alzheimer Disease
Russell Swerdlow
2017-05-05 PHASE1; PHASE2
NCT04516304 COMPLETED
Menopause
Pharmavite LLC
2019-03-27
NCT02352025 COMPLETED
Breast Cancer
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
2015-04-15 EARLY_PHASE1
NCT02515682 UNKNOWN
Hypertension
Chinese University of Hong Kong
2015-10
NCT02142777 COMPLETED
Alzheimer's Disease
Russell Swerdlow, MD
2014-07 PHASE1
NCT00962390 COMPLETED
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Ausio Pharmaceuticals, LLC
2009-06 PHASE2
NCT00962585 COMPLETED
Menopause
Ausio Pharmaceuticals, LLC
2010-06 PHASE2
NCT01301586 UNKNOWN
ACNE VULGARIS
Nexgen Dermatologics, Inc.
2010-11 PHASE1; PHASE2
NCT00998920 COMPLETED
Healthy
Ausio Pharmaceuticals, LLC
2008-12 PHASE1
NCT00787007 COMPLETED
Healthy
Ausio Pharmaceuticals, LLC
2008-09 PHASE1

(data from https://clinicaltrials.gov, updated on 2026-06-02)

Check the (±)-Equol product page for in-depth specifications, including solubility, stock solutions, MOA, and working concentrations.

Compliance for Clinical Use

Mechanism and Biochemical Profile

As a metabolite of soy isoflavones, (±)-equol selectively binds to estrogen receptors, modulating receptor-mediated transcription and downstream cellular signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, vascular tone, and oxidative stress response. This estrogenic and antioxidative activity supports its clinical evaluation in conditions such as vascular dysfunction, arterial stiffness, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Appendix RUO and cGMP Quality Standards

Quality Dimension RUO (Research Use Only) cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice)
Clinical Applicability Prohibited in human clinical trials or medical diagnostics. Mandatory for human clinical trials (Phase I–III) and therapies.
Regulatory Status Non-regulated grade; exempt from drug manufacturing laws. Legally enforced by health authorities (e.g., FDA, EMA, NMPA).
Facility Environment Unclassified analytical or research laboratories. Validated Cleanrooms (ISO Class 5–8) with continuous monitoring.
Quality Control Basic purity and activity testing. Rigorous safety release testing (Sterility, Endotoxin, Mycoplasma).
Process Validation Basic equipment calibration; no process validation required. Full qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and complete batch records.
Quality Assurance Vendor self-declared without required formal QMS. Mandatory QA/QC unit, Change Control, CAPA, and vendor audits.
Regulatory Impact High risk of IND rejection if used as a critical raw material. Required for IND/NDA filings, supported by Drug Master Files (DMF).

Footnotes

Regulatory Note: Governed by FDA (21 CFR Parts 210/211/312), EMA (EudraLex Vol 4), ICH Guidelines (E6/Q7/Q9/Q10), and compendial standards (USP <71>/<85>/<1043>).

Note: Technical data last updated: Sep 1, 2026.