President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the federal government is considering approving certain forms of 7-OH, an opioid compound derived from the kratom plant.
“We’re looking very seriously at natural 7-OH and getting that approved,” Trump stated during a public address.
The term “natural 7-OH” raised questions, as the compound—7-hydroxymitragynine—occurs in small amounts within kratom. The plant has gained popularity as a recreational drug and an unapproved treatment for pain relief.
While kratom is considered far less dangerous than synthetic opioids like fentanyl or prescription painkillers, it still carries risks of addiction and overdose.
Related articles
FDA Drug Center Acting Director Tracy Beth Høeg Departs Amid Leadership Changes
WASHINGTON — The acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug center, Tracy Beth Høeg, is leaving the agency, according to three sources...
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Balances Vaccine Skepticism with Ohio Outreach Tour
Here in Washington, we’ve been hearing about tensions between the White House and one of its most controversial — but, at least in some circles, most...
Kratom Use Surges in the US: Rising Addiction and Mental Health Concerns
A national study of kratom use in the US found rising popularity among young adults, and it is linked to addiction and mental health issues, according...
UK Political Shake-Up Could Reshape Global Drug Pricing Policies
Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. Congrats on...
U.S. Pressures Germany on Drug Prices Amid FDA Restructuring Concerns
And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about we...
Mail-Order Abortion Pills Remain Legal Amid Legal Uncertainty
In a discussion about the best fruits, my STAT colleague Alexa Lee and I agreed that peaches have been mid in recent years. Is this just a New York Ci...
FDA Rejects Melanoma Drug RP1 Amid Leadership Controversy Under Makary
The FDA’s recent decision to withhold approval of a new skin cancer treatment fell like a hammer on doctors who treat melanoma and patients who saw th...
Why Alcohol Remains Overlooked Despite Its Deadly Toll in the U.S.
Alcohol kills more Americans than any other drug by a wide margin. But discussions about substance use epidemics in the U.S. are usually centered arou...