Federal Scrutiny on Kratom-Derived Extracts
Federal authorities and lawmakers are increasingly concerned about products derived from the kratom plant, often referred to as ‘gas station opioids.’ The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has raised alarms about kratom-derived extracts, announcing plans to temporarily ban specific concentrated substances. These substances include 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16. The DEA aims to classify these as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, which would temporarily restrict their use. This action does not affect the natural herbal form of kratom, still available over the counter.
Kratom’s legality differs across states. Nine states have banned it outright, while over 30 allow regulated sales, including caps on 7-OH concentrations. In some states, kratom remains in a legal gray zone. Since the early 2010s, synthetically concentrated products, such as 7-OH, have become available over the counter in locations like gas stations and tobacco shops.
Oliver Grundmann, a clinical professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Medicinal Chemistry, supports scheduling these concentrated products. He points out that Schedule I classification indicates no accepted medical use, and proper evaluation would need FDA approval. Grundmann states that manufacturers of 7-OH products do not pursue FDA approval, justifying the DEA’s decision to control these substances.
In related healthcare news, a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania has led to a sixth reported death. A 39-year-old woman with underlying conditions died following treatment for measles. The Franklin County Coroner’s office investigated this recent case.
Separately, research involving GLP-1 drugs shows potential changes in adults dealing with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and obesity. An Eli Lilly study highlights broader immune and metabolic changes when patients are treated with a combination of Taltz (ixekizumab) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) compared to Taltz alone.
Another study revealed that consuming either water or diet soft drinks makes no difference in weight management among British adults. Researchers from the University of Liverpool observed nearly 500 overweight and obese adults over two years, finding no notable variation in results between those drinking water and those consuming diet soft drinks.
These topics reflect the dynamic changes in the U.S. healthcare sector and the complexities faced at both local and national levels, from state laws on reproductive health to workforce challenges in hospitals.