Deadly substance under scrutiny as kratom byproduct shows up in gas stations, smoke shops
7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as 7-OH, is a concentrated form of kratom, a plant-derived substance that has been commonly used for pain relief and as a stimulant.
The concentrated byproduct has been linked to opioid receptors in the body, triggering the potential for abuse and various drug-related symptoms.
The substance, which is considered a "synthetic opioid," has been bottled into drinks, powders and tablets that are sold at vape shops, gas stations and other stores across the country.
An uptick in 7-OH-related medical events has led the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on sellers of these products.
In a Tuesday press release, the HHS announced that the FDA is recommending a scheduling action to control these products under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., wrote in a statement that vape stores are "popping up in every neighborhood in America, and many are selling addictive products like concentrated 7-OH."
"After the last wave of the opioid epidemic, we cannot get caught flat-footed again," he said. "7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine. We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic."
There are no FDA-approved 7-OH drugs, according to the health agency. It is not lawful in dietary supplements, nor can it be lawfully added to conventional foods.
Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tree (Mitragyna speciosa) found in regions of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Thailand, according to Lori Karan, M.D., professor of internal and preventive medicine at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, who previously spoke to Fox News Digital.
The leaves of the tree contain more than 40 different active compounds, with the most prevalent being mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine and speciofoline.
The plant is thought to have dual properties. It produces a stimulant effect at low doses and an opioid-like, analgesic effect when taken in higher amounts, according to Dr. Richard Clark, medical director of the San Diego division of the California Poison Control System.
"It has activity at opioid receptors in the brain, like opioid analgesics, and for that reason has been used as either a substitute for opioid analgesics or a tool to improve symptoms of opioid withdrawal," Clark previously told Fox News Digital.
Americans most commonly use kratom for self-treatment of chronic pain and to help battle opioid withdrawal symptoms, he added.
When isolated in its concentrated state, 7-OH, the active metabolite present in the kratom plant, becomes a highly potent analgesic.
7-OH can be more potent than morphine, leading to the potential for abuse and drug-related symptoms like dependence and withdrawal, according to the HHS.
While vendors may advertise kratom as safe and "all-natural," the composition can vary widely and may not accurately reflect the product labeling, experts caution.
It's uncommon for kratom to cause major toxic effects, but when people ingest large amounts or combine it with other drugs, they may experience hallucinogenic reactions, convulsions, coma and, in rare cases, death, Clark warned.
"There is also a potential for individuals to develop dependence and withdrawal with heavy kratom use," he said.
Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, confusion and tremors, according to Karan.
The FDA and HHS announced a call to action against 7-OH products in a press conference on Tuesday, where Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described its growing availability and the weight of addiction on the American people.
"They're putting [vape shops] around schools, they're putting them in our poorest neighborhoods, and now they're putting them in every gas station," the HHS secretary said.
"They're marketed for children. They're gummy bears, they're bright colors, they're candy-flavored. This is really a sinister, sinister industry."
During the same press conference, Makary noted that there is no intention for the agencies to deem pure kratom as "safe" for use at this time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Boston Scientific Stock Outlook: Is Wall Street Bullish or Bearish?
Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX), headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties globally. With a market cap of $157.9 billion, the company's products are used in interventional cardiology, cardiac rhythm management, peripheral interventions, electrophysiology, neurovascular intervention, endoscopy, and more. Shares of this medTech giant have outperformed the broader market over the past year. BSX has gained 41.7% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 16.6%. In 2025, BSX stock is up 17.5%, surpassing the SPX's 7.8% rise on a YTD basis. More News from Barchart With UnitedHealth Under DOJ Investigation, Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold UNH Stock Now? Trump Won't Take Away Tesla's Subsidies. Does That Make TSLA Stock a Safe Buy Here? Can AMD Stock Hit $210 in 2025? Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now! Zooming in further, BSX's outperformance is also apparent compared to the iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI). The exchange-traded fund has gained about 9% over the past year. Moreover, BSX's double-digit gains on a YTD basis outshine the ETF's 2.3% gains over the same time frame. BSX's strong performance can be credited to its robust product portfolio and dedicated global team. Key achievements in the second quarter include FDA approval for expanding the FARAPULSE PFA System, initiation of the ReMATCH IDE trial, and securing CE Mark for the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device in Europe. The company also finalized the acquisitions of Intera Oncology and SoniVie, enhancing its offerings in liver cancer and hypertension treatment technologies. On Jul. 23, BSX shares closed up more than 4% after reporting its Q2 results. Its adjusted EPS of $0.75 beat Wall Street's expectations of $0.72. The company's revenue was $5.1 billion, exceeding Wall Street forecasts of $4.9 billion. The company expects full-year adjusted EPS in the range of $2.95 to $2.99. For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect BSX's EPS to grow 18.7% to $2.98 on a diluted basis. The company's earnings surprise history is impressive. It beat the consensus estimate in each of the last four quarters. Among the 30 analysts covering BSX stock, the consensus is a 'Strong Buy.' That's based on 27 'Strong Buy' ratings, two 'Moderate Buys,' and one 'Hold.' This configuration is more bullish than two months ago, with 26 analysts suggesting a 'Strong Buy.' On Jul. 24, Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) analyst Jayson Bedford maintained a 'Buy' rating on BSX with a price target of $124, implying a potential upside of 18.2% from current levels. The mean price target of $124.53 represents an 18.7% premium to BSX's current price levels. The Street-high price target of $140 suggests an ambitious upside potential of 33.4%. On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
BofA Securities Affirms ‘Buy' Rating on Taysha Gene Therapies (TSHA) on TSHA-102 Prospects
Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSHA) is . On July 11, BofA Securities initiated coverage of the stock with a 'Buy' rating and an $8 price target. The positive stance comes as the research firm remains buoyed by the company's Taysha gene therapy TSHA-102 under development for Rett Syndrome. Copyright: dolgachov / 123RF Stock Photo The research firm believes TSHA-102 has the potential to become the first approved disease-modifying treatment for the severe neurodevelopmental disease. Clinical trials have already demonstrated that the therapy has the potential to help patients regain or achieve developmental milestones. Taysha Gene Therapies has already reached an alignment with the US Food and Drug Administration on a pivotal trial design for TSHA-102. The company plans to initiate a trial in the third quarter of 2023. BofA Securities views the candidate treatment as a commercially attractive opportunity. Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSHA) is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing and bringing to market gene therapies for serious monogenic disorders affecting the central nervous system. It seeks to address unmet medical needs by developing transformative medicines for these diseases. Its approach centers on using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies. While we acknowledge the potential of TSHA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and 11 Defensive Stocks Billionaires are Buying amid US Trade Tariff Uncertainty. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Will health insurance pay for Covid vaccines this fall?
If you want a Covid shot this fall, will your employer's health insurance plan pay for it? There's no clear answer. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, has upended the way Covid vaccines are approved and for whom they're recommended, creating uncertainty where coverage was routine. Agencies within HHS responsible for spelling out who should get vaccinated aren't necessarily in sync, issuing seemingly contradictory recommendations based on age or risk factors for serious disease. But the ambiguity may not affect your coverage, at least this year. 'I think in 2025 it's highly likely that the employer plans will cover' the Covid vaccines, said Dr. Jeff Levin-Scherz, a primary care doctor who is the population health leader for the management consultancy WTW and an assistant professor at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They've already budgeted for it, 'and it would be a large administrative effort to try to exclude coverage for those not at increased risk,' he said. With so much in flux, it's important to check with your employer or insurer about coverage policies before you roll up your sleeve. Here's what we know so far, and what remains unclear. How have the recommendations changed? What used to be straightforward is now much murkier. Last year, the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccines were recommended for anyone at least 6 months old. This year, the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is narrower. Although the vaccines are broadly recommended for adults 19 and older, they are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant people or for healthy children 6 months through 17 years old. Kennedy announced the changes in a video in May, citing safety risks for young people and pregnant people as justification. But his claims have been widely disputed by experts in vaccines, pediatrics, and women's health. An analysis by found that the secretary 'misrepresented scientific research to make unfounded claims about vaccine safety for pregnant people and children.' In addition, recently announced changes to the vaccine approval framework have further chipped away at eligibility. Moderna announced July 10 that the Food and Drug Administration had fully approved its Spikevax Covid vaccine — but approval is restricted to adults 65 and older, and for people from 6 months through 64 years old who are at increased risk of developing a serious case of Covid. Two other Covid vaccines expected to be available this fall, Novavax's Nuvaxovid and Moderna's mNexspike, are also restricted. They are approved for people 65 or older and those 12 to 64 who have underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of developing severe Covid. Notably, Pfizer's Comirnaty Covid vaccine is still approved or authorized for people 6 months of age and older without any restrictions based on risk factors for Covid — at least for now. But the FDA could change that at any time, experts said. Increasing restrictions 'is definitely the direction they are moving,' said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at KFF who authored a KFF analysis of vaccine insurance coverage rules. KFF is a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. HHS did not provide an on-the-record comment for this article. How might these changes alter my insurance coverage for the vaccine? That's the big question, and the answer is uncertain. Without insurance coverage, people could owe hundreds of dollars for the shot. Most private health plans are required by law to cover recommended vaccines, whether for Covid, measles, or the flu, without charging their members. But that requirement kicks in after the shots are recommended by a federal panel — the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — and adopted by the CDC director, according to the KFF analysis. The committee hasn't yet voted on Covid vaccine recommendations for this fall. Its next meeting is expected to occur in August or September. Still, employers and insurers can opt to cover the vaccines on their own, as many did before the law required them to do so. But they may require people to pay something for it. In addition, the narrower recommendations from different HHS agencies might result in some health plans declining to pay for certain categories of people to get certain vaccines, experts said. 'I don't think an employer or insurer would deny coverage,' Kates said. 'But they could say: You have to get this product.' That could mean a 45-year-old with no underlying health conditions raising their covid risk might have to get the Pfizer shot rather than the Moderna version if they want their health plan to pay for it, experts said. In addition, up to 200 million people may qualify for the vaccines because they have health conditions such as asthma or diabetes that increase their risk of severe disease, according to a commentary published by FDA officials in the New England Journal of Medicine. Health care professionals can help people determine whether they qualify for the shot based on health conditions. Tina Stow, a spokesperson for AHIP, which represents health plans, said in a statement that plans will continue to follow federal requirements for vaccine coverage. What are the options for people who are pregnant or have children they want to have vaccinated? Many parents are confused about getting their kids vaccinated, according to an Aug. 1 KFF poll. About half say they don't know whether federal agencies recommend healthy children get the vaccine this fall. Among the other half, more say the vaccine is not recommended than recommended. Meanwhile, Kennedy's recommendation that healthy children not get vaccinated has a notable caveat: If a parent wishes a child to get a Covid vaccine and a health care provider recommends it, the child can receive it under the 'shared clinical decision-making' model, and it should be covered without cost sharing. Some policy experts point out that this is the way care for kids is typically provided anyway. 'Outside of any requirements, vaccines have always been provided through shared decision-making,' said Amanda Jezek, senior vice president of public policy and government relations at the Infectious Diseases Society of America. There's no similar allowance for pregnant people. However, even though Kennedy has stated that Covid vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant people, pregnancy is one of the underlying medical conditions that put people at high risk for getting very sick from Covid, according to the CDC. That could make pregnant people eligible for the shot. Depending on the stage of someone's pregnancy, it could be difficult to know whether someone should be denied the shot based on their condition. 'This is uncharted territory,' said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of Georgetown University's Center on Health Insurance Reforms. How will these changes affect access to the vaccine? Will I still be able to go to the pharmacy for the shot? 'If far fewer are expected to be vaccinated, fewer sites will offer the vaccinations,' Levin-Scherz said. This could be an especially notable hurdle for people looking for pediatric doses of a covid vaccine, he said. In addition, pharmacists' authority to administer vaccines depends on several factors. For example, in some states they can administer shots that have been approved by the FDA, while in others the shots must have been recommended by the ACIP, said Hannah Fish, senior director of strategic initiatives at the National Community Pharmacists Association. Since ACIP hasn't yet recommended covid shots for the fall, that could create a speed bump in some states. 'Depending on the rules, you still may be able to get the shot at the pharmacy, but they might have to call the physician to send over a prescription,' Fish said. What do these changes mean long-term? It's impossible to know. But given Kennedy's vocal skepticism of vaccines and his embrace of long-disproven theories about connections between vaccines and autism, among other things, medical and public health professionals are concerned those views will shape future policies. 'The recommendation changes that were made with respect to children and pregnant women were not necessarily made in good science,' Corlette said. It's already a challenge to convince people they need annual covid shots, and shifting guidelines may make it tougher, some public health experts warn. 'What's concerning is that this could even further depress the uptake of the covid vaccines,' Jezek said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. This article was originally published on Solve the daily Crossword
