The 7-HOPE Alliance, a nonprofit focused on public education and advocacy for 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), has responded to a recent opinion piece by former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield in The Hill, which contained several scientific inaccuracies about 7-OH. Dr. Michele Ross, a Scientific Advisor to the Alliance, penned a letter correcting these inaccuracies, highlighting the compound’s natural occurrence in the kratom plant and its distinction from synthetic opioids.

Dr. Ross’s letter clarifies that 7-OH is not a synthetic opioid but a naturally occurring compound that mimics the body’s metabolic processes. This distinction is crucial as it separates 7-OH from the dangers associated with synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The letter also points out that 7-OH has a ceiling effect on euphoria, similar to buprenorphine, and does not strongly activate the beta-arrestin 2 pathway linked to respiratory depression, overdose, and death.

The response from the 7-HOPE Alliance underscores the importance of accurate information in shaping public policy and perception. Mischaracterizing 7-OH as a synthetic opioid could lead to unnecessary restrictions that would harm individuals relying on it for pain management and as an alternative to more dangerous substances. The Alliance advocates for regulation based on science and the lived experiences of those who benefit from 7-OH, rather than misinformation or stigma.

Dr. Ross’s letter also addresses the potential human impact of a ban on 7-OH, noting that millions use it to manage pain, reduce alcohol use, or avoid relapse from other opioids. The Alliance calls for continued research and responsible regulation to ensure that 7-OH remains accessible to those who need it, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction strategies in public health.

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