Latest news with #SteveCurtis
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Applauds Florida's Emergency Ban on Synthetic 7-OH, Reinforces Commitment to Safe, Natural Kratom
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VIVAZEN ®, a leading botanical wellness brand, today praised the Florida Attorney General's emergency scheduling of synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), calling the targeted action a public health win that protects consumers while preserving access to responsibly formulated kratom products. 'We welcome oversight that distinguishes real kratom from harmful counterfeits and synthetics,' said Curtis. 'Florida's action should be a national blueprint.' Share 7-OH at concentrations above 1% by total weight to Schedule I of Florida's controlled substances list. Crucially, the rule clarifies that 'This designation does not apply to mitragynine,' the naturally occurring alkaloid found in kratom leaf. This distinction mirrors recent federal recommendations to classify synthetic 7-OH, not kratom, as a Schedule I substance. 'Florida got this exactly right,' said Steve Curtis, CEO of VIVAZEN ®. 'Synthetic 7-OH is a chemically manipulated derivative with opioid-like risks. By targeting the synthetic drug without criminalizing the natural plant, Florida is protecting consumers and advancing a model of science-based regulation.' VIVAZEN ® has long advocated for regulatory clarity and quality assurance across the botanical category. All VIVAZEN ® products are derived from natural kratom leaf and extract, with no synthetic additives. As part of its quality commitment, VIVAZEN ® proactively tests every batch for 7-OH and confirms it is not detected. 'Every product we release undergoes rigorous third-party testing for alkaloid profile, microbial safety, heavy metals, and adulterants,' added Curtis. 'That includes routine testing for 7-OH, even though we don't use it. It's about trust.' This announcement comes amid heightened national concern over unregulated synthetic 7-OH. VIVAZEN ® supports state-level Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs) and is actively involved in real-world evidence (RWE) studies to evaluate kratom's benefits in daily use. 'We welcome oversight that distinguishes real kratom from harmful counterfeits and synthetics,' said Curtis. 'Florida's action should be a national blueprint.'
Business Wire
13-08-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
VIVAZEN ® and MoreBetter ® Announce Landmark Real-World Evidence Study on Its Proprietary Extract, Highlighting the Power of Botanicals in Daily Wellness
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VIVAZEN ®, a trusted leader in botanical-based wellness products, proudly shares the results of a first-of-its-kind Real-World Evidence (RWE) study using its proprietary extract. The study was conducted in partnership with MoreBetter ®, a leading real-world data and research platform. The study tracked the daily experiences of real users over 21 days and revealed statistically significant improvements in energy, focus, and productivity without the use of caffeine or stimulants.* Amid growing concern over adulterated products, this study offers timely, real-world data to distinguish authentic botanical formulas from dangerous synthetics and reinforces the need for science-based evaluation of kratom in everyday use. Share Scientifically Measured, Naturally Effective The RWE study provided consistent daily feedback on the Energy + Focus supplement, a proprietary formula, which resulted in measurable and meaningful outcomes: 25% increase in daily energy* 66% reported improved productivity* 63% experienced reduced fatigue* 61% noted better focus* 'This study exemplifies how real-world evidence can transform anecdotal usage into actionable science,' said Steve Curtis, CEO of VIVAZEN. 'Botanicals have played a critical role in traditional health practices for centuries, but research like this is essential to bring credibility and scientific rigor to the future of functional wellness.' Why This Research Matters Now In July 2025, the FDA announced plans to schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent synthetic derivative of kratom, as a Schedule I controlled substance, citing its opioid-like risks and safety data. Crucially, regulators emphasized that natural kratom leaf products are not the target of this action. Amid growing concern over adulterated products, this study offers timely, real-world data to distinguish authentic botanical formulas from dangerous synthetics and reinforces the need for science-based evaluation of kratom in everyday use. Advancing Wellness Through Research & Transparency To help advance public understanding and transparency, VIVAZEN partnered with the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating research and education around natural medicines by centering lived experience and community engagement. In alignment with this mission, NAP has published a summary of the study findings on its public platform, making the results more accessible to researchers, educators, and everyday consumers alike. Read the full blog post here Help Shape the Future of Botanical Science This RWE study highlights a broader movement to validate natural products through real-world data, offering consumers and health care providers a clearer understanding of product efficacy outside of a lab environment. As consumers increasingly seek non-synthetic, plant-based alternatives, real-world studies provide critical insights that help build trust, transparency, and scientific credibility. *VIVAZEN ® products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Reuters
29-07-2025
- Health
- Reuters
VIVAZEN Applauds Federal Action to Ban Dangerous Synthetic 7-OH and Reaffirms Support for Science-Driven Kratom Reform
PHOENIX, AZ, July 29, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- VIVAZEN, opens new tab, a leading natural wellness company, issued the following statement today commending the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for taking decisive action this week to protect consumers from the dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and to establish a clear regulatory distinction between adulterated products and natural kratom. 'As someone who has experienced the benefits of kratom firsthand, I've long been an advocate for ensuring that this important botanical is safely and responsibly available to customers. This is a milestone for consumer safety, scientific integrity, and public health,' said Steve Curtis, CEO of VIVAZEN. 'We fully support the FDA and HHS in taking this courageous action in drawing a clear line between the naturally occurring alkaloids in kratom and the synthetic opioid-like compound 7-hydroxymitragynine. These are not the same substance, and conflating them has harmed consumers and held back meaningful botanical research. We further urge the agency to use the full extent of its power to immediately remove 7-OH products from store shelves.' 7-hydroxymitragynine, often produced by chemically oxidizing kratom's primary alkaloid, mitragynine using industrial oxidants like bleach and pool shock, can be present at potent and dangerous concentrations in adulterated products that falsely claim to be 'kratom.' In contrast, natural kratom leaves contain only trace amounts of 7-OH, if any, and have been safely used by millions of Americans. VIVAZEN has long been at the forefront of science-first kratom formulation, ensuring all of its products are rigorously tested, contain no synthetic alkaloids, and comply with evolving state and federal safety standards. 'What's happening now is the beginning of regulatory maturity,' said Curtis. 'FDA's own data now confirms the safety and tolerability of mitragynine at levels up to 140 mg. NIH-funded studies also show kratom enhances, rather than suppresses, respiratory activity, exactly the opposite of synthetic 7-OH. This bifurcation is necessary and overdue.' VIVAZEN encourages the following actions by HHS and FDA: 'Consumers deserve clean, transparent, and trustworthy products,' Curtis added. 'At VIVAZEN, we've built our brand on safety and integrity, and we welcome this renewed focus on scientific truth. We look forward to working with policymakers and regulators to protect the future of kratom and the millions who rely on it.' About VIVAZEN For over a decade, VIVAZEN has delivered trusted, high-quality botanical supplements that provide people with functional wellness without compromise. Rooted in centuries of herbal wisdom and backed by modern innovation, VIVAZEN is a functional, feel-good alternative for those who want to live—and feel—on their own terms. Join the millions who trust VIVAZEN to Feel Great™ naturally, and visit opens new tab. Media Contact Paloma Lehfeldtpress@ ### SOURCE: VIVAZEN Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire See release on EZ Newswire
Sky News
27-01-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Hobbycraft-owner Modella circles WH Smith high street chain
The owner of Hobbycraft is among a pack of suitors circling WH Smith, the 233-year-old high street chain which has been put up for sale. Sky News has learnt that Modella Capital, whose executives have previously been involved in retailers including Paperchase and Tie Rack, is one of a handful of parties to have held discussions with WH Smith and its advisers. The likelihood of Modella completing a deal to acquire the 500-store chain was unclear on Monday. Modella's executives include Steve Curtis, whose biography on the firm's website describes his "successful transactions [as including] Jigsaw, Paperchase, Feather & Black, Rolling Luggage and Tie Rack". One of the firm's investment advisers is Jamie Constable, a prominent turnaround investor who is associated with firms including Rcapital, Quilam Capital and Blazehill Capital. The disposal would, if completed, leave London-listed WH Smith as a company focused on its more lucrative travel retail operation in airports, railway stations and hospitals, which comprises about 1,200 stores globally. Modella is said to be bidding against a number of other experienced retail investors, including the Apollo-backed firm Alteri, which owns the Bensons for Beds chain. WH Smith, which is being advised by bankers at Greenhill, declined to comment on Monday, while Modella has been contacted for comment. A sale of its high street arm would mark a watershed moment for the UK high street, which first saw the appearance of the name in 1792. The business, which specialises in selling items such as greeting cards and stationery, employs about 5,000 people across the country. Run by Carl Cowling, chief executive, the disposal of its high street arm and repositioning as a pure-play travel retail company was welcomed by investors on Monday, with shares in WH Smith rising by about 2.5%. The division recorded flat operating profit of £32m last year, with WH Smith's travel business accounting for 75% of the company's revenue and 85% of trading profit. There have been questions about the future of WH Smith's high street division for many years amid carnage elsewhere in the sector, with the likes of BHS, Debenhams and Comet all ceasing to trade from physical stores in the last 15 years. Last week, it emerged that roughly 15 WH Smith shops would be closed this year - part of an annual rationalisation of its store estate. In 2006, the company's news distribution arm, now known as Smiths News, was demerged into a separate London-listed company. Reiterating its weekend response to Sky News's report, WH Smith told the London Stock Exchange on Monday:" WH Smith plc notes the recent press speculation regarding its high street business. "WHSmith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash-generating part of the group, including a possible sale. "Over the past decade, WHSmith has become a focused global travel retailer. The group's travel business has over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, and three-quarters of the group's revenue and 85% of its trading profit comes from the travel business. "There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached, and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate."
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hobbycraft-owner Modella circles WH Smith high street chain
The owner of Hobbycraft is among a pack of suitors circling WH Smith, the 233-year-old high street chain which has been put up for sale. Sky News has learnt that Modella Capital, whose executives have previously been involved in retailers including Paperchase and Tie Rack, is one of a handful of parties to have held discussions with WH Smith and its advisers. The likelihood of Modella completing a deal to acquire the 500-store chain was unclear on Monday. Modella's executives include Steve Curtis, whose biography on the firm's website describes his "successful transactions [as including] Jigsaw, Paperchase, Feather & Black, Rolling Luggage and Tie Rack". One of the firm's investment advisers is Jamie Constable, a prominent turnaround investor who is associated with firms including Rcapital, Quilam Capital and Blazehill Capital. Money blog: Price of European holidays surges City sources said that WH Smith - which confirmed at the weekend that it was considering a sale of the business following a Sky News report - was keen to wrap up a deal during the spring. The disposal would, if completed, leave London-listed WH Smith as a company focused on its more lucrative travel retail operation in airports, railway stations and hospitals, which comprises about 1,200 stores globally. Modella is said to be bidding against a number of other experienced retail investors, including the Apollo-backed firm Alteri, which owns the Bensons for Beds chain. WH Smith, which is being advised by bankers at Greenhill, declined to comment on Monday, while Modella has been contacted for comment. A sale of its high street arm would mark a watershed moment for the UK high street, which first saw the appearance of the name in 1792. The business, which specialises in selling items such as greeting cards and stationery, employs about 5,000 people across the country. Run by Carl Cowling, chief executive, the disposal of its high street arm and repositioning as a pure-play travel retail company was welcomed by investors on Monday, with shares in WH Smith rising by about 2.5%. The division recorded flat operating profit of £32m last year, with WH Smith's travel business accounting for 75% of the company's revenue and 85% of trading profit. There have been questions about the future of WH Smith's high street division for many years amid carnage elsewhere in the sector, with the likes of BHS, Debenhams and Comet all ceasing to trade from physical stores in the last 15 years. Last week, it emerged that roughly 15 WH Smith shops would be closed this year - part of an annual rationalisation of its store estate. In 2006, the company's news distribution arm, now known as Smiths News, was demerged into a separate London-listed company. Reiterating its weekend response to Sky News's report, WH Smith told the London Stock Exchange on Monday:" WH Smith plc notes the recent press speculation regarding its High Street business. "WHSmith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash generative part of the Group, including a possible sale. "Over the past decade, WHSmith has become a focused global travel retailer. The Group's Travel business has over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, and three-quarters of the Group's revenue and 85% of its trading profit comes from the Travel business. "There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached, and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate."
