Anatabloc - Dietary Supplement Produced by Star - McDonnell Corruption

There was an update on this yesterday on HLN and I just caught a clip of it. Was not sure what it was referring to and for some reason had missed this going on.

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Star Scientific promotes Anatabloc through radio and online advertising — and it even has a billboard at The Diamond in Richmond.
Beyond the celebrity endorsements for Anatabloc, Star Scientific has suggested in public statements that the supplement, which contains an ingredient called anatabine along with Vitamin A and Vitamin D3, might be able to do a lot more than just soothe aches and pains.
In its marketing of the product, the company says Anatabloc helps users “reduce inflammation and support a healthy metabolism.”
While Star Scientific has not made any explicit claims that Anatabloc can cure diseases, it has put out at least 15 news releases since April 2010 announcing or detailing various scientific studies backed by the company and indicating that anatabine could mitigate the underlying causes of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, thyroiditis and traumatic brain injuries.

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For further reading on that one:

Maureen McDonnell pitched Anatabloc to Ann Romney for her MS


BY FRANK GREEN AND JIM NOLAN Richmond Times-Dispatch jnolan@timesdispatch.com(804) 649-6061Twitter: @RTDNolanfgreen@timesdispatch.com(804) 649-6340Twitter: @RTDFrankGreen | Posted 2 days ago

A bus figured into the federal corruption trial of Bob and Maureen McDonnell on Monday. And by the time the day was over, the former first lady of Virginia appeared to have been literally on board — and figuratively thrown under it.


In January 2012, Gov. Bob McDonnell boarded Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign bus in South Carolina, and went to the rear with the Republican hopeful, whom he had just endorsed.

Williams says no 'physical contact' with first lady

But Maureen McDonnell sidled up to Romney’s wife, Ann, — and made a pitch for Anatabloc, suggesting it as a possible cure for Mrs. Romney’s multiple sclerosis.

“I was horrified,” former McDonnell campaign manager Phil Cox told prosecutor David Harbach at the McDonnells’ trial.

“I thought it was a train wreck. I thought it was improper that Maureen would try to push this product on Ann Romney, and I didn’t think it showed the governor in a great light.”

Cox said he interrupted the pitch at a break in the conversation and helped change the subject, sparing Romney’s wife — and Virginia’s governor, who was being mentioned at the time as a potential vice presidential running mate.

The vignette, elicited on the trial’s sixth day, appeared designed to demonstrate the extent to which Maureen McDonnell went to assist CEO Jonnie R. Williams Sr., then the CEO of Star Scientific, in the promotion of Anatabloc, his unregulated dietary supplement.

Prosecutors allege that Bob and Maureen McDonnell conspired to use the governor’s office to help Williams in exchange for more than $165,000 in luxury trips, gifts and vacations — including $120,000 in loans handed over by Williams to a financially struggling first family.

Cox, the first witness to testify after Williams, recounted how Maureen McDonnell arrived in South Carolina with Williams and in an airport conference room told the governor and those present that she wanted to discuss Anatabloc with Mitt Romney.

“It wasn’t going to happen,” Cox testified. But it wasn’t the first time Cox apparently had to intervene in Maureen’s bid to promote a product.

“The governor should not twitter about a product launch”

In earlier testimony, Cox said he learned that Mrs. McDonnell was pitching to her husband’s campaign donors the line of beauty products she was selling.

“I talked to the governor about it,” Cox testified. “He agreed and it didn’t happen and it stopped.”

Cox also advised the governor against a suggestion forwarded to his scheduler by Williams’ assistant, suggesting that he tweet about the launch of a Star product.

“The governor should not twitter about a product launch,” he said, adding later: “There is a line between supporting an industry and supporting a separate product. You can’t pick winners and losers.”

On cross examination by defense lawyers, Cox explained that his concern for the governor in light of his wife’s actions was more political than legal.

WATCH videos on the McDonnell trial

MORE COVERAGE of the McDonnell trial

He also lent support to defense contentions that the former first lady had a “crush” on Williams, although Williams again testified that there was no physical component to their relationship.

“She adored him — she would light up when he walked into the room,” Cox said.

But Cox had also testified that he was unaware that the McDonnells had solicited and received many gifts from Williams, including the loans — until he read about it in the newspapers in March 2013.

He also testified that he had advised against Williams buying Maureen McDonnell’s inaugural gown.

Cox testified he was present at a dinner in New York in December 2009 when Williams offered to help get the first lady an Oscar de la Renta dress. “I didn’t think it was a good idea,” he said.

He explained the country was in the middle of a recession and such an expensive dress might not play well.

He consulted with Jasen Eige, the governor’s counsel, to see if there might also be a legal reason not to accept such a gift. He said he did not know who gave Maureen the bad news. “She was not happy about it,” he said.

Cox testified that he got an email from Maureen McDonnell on Christmas Eve 2009.

“Sort of an insane rant,” he said.

He said she called into question his loyalty and whether he had the best interests of her and her husband at heart.

“It really angered me,” he said.

"A bit of a snake oil salesman"

Cox said that Williams raised red flags with him and that he had expressed some concern about Williams to the governor in 2012.

“Mr. Williams struck me as an over-the-top salesman. ... He was trying too hard, and he was always around,” said Cox.

“I thought he was a bit of a snake oil salesman,” said Cox. The political aide said of Anatabloc: “It was a cure for everything, according to him.”

Cox said he was told a weekend at a posh Cape Cod, Mass., resort including meals, a sailing trip and golf attended by the McDonnells, Cox and his wife, the Williamses, and others was paid for by Williams, who won it in a charity auction. Cox said McDonnell told him the trip would be reported.

In July 2013, when Cox first learned in the media of the $50,000 loan to MoBo, the struggling real estate management company that Bob McDonnell owned with his wife and sister, also named Maureen, he said he called the governor.

“I think I was angry, frustrated and upset,” said Cox. He told McDonnell he thought he had shown poor judgment in accepting the loan.

“I think he felt bad about the whole thing,” said Cox of Bob McDonnell. McDonnell did not blame his wife, said Cox.

But Cox said he knew Maureen McDonnell could be difficult to manage.

“When she was happy, she could be incredibly sweet and caring,” he said. “When she was unhappy, she could be incredibly difficult and mean.”

As for the governor, Cox told the court on cross examination: “I think he tried to think the best of everybody.”


First week of McDonnell corruption trial tells tale of money, influence


INTERESTING!!

The claims from these dietary supplement con artists are so crazy it is hard to believe somebody would try pitching the crap to a Mitt Romney but the attempt to pitch it to his wife as a cure for MS is diabolical.

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"Having failed to get an audience with the candidate, Maureen McDonnell cornered his wife, Ann Romney, on a campaign bus and began telling her how Anatabloc could cure her multiple sclerosis, Cox testified."

There is some interesting blog discussions, this was the first news article I hit. As with most of these "cures" it looks like much more independent research is needed. Kind of expensive too, just having your wallet lightened that much could do wonders for lower back pain.:RpS_wink:


Can a dietary supplement cure concussions? The FDA says NO

The FDA has issued an alert about 'possibly dangerous' products being marketed as beneficial to traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
The FDA says the products are untested and unproven
Star Scientific has been issued with a warning over its product anatabine
Found in potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes and eggplant, the company claims it can alleviate TBI
It was being marketed as a dietary supplement, although the company has already submitted it for investigation as a drug
Authorities are concerned the product could cause someone with TBI to believe they have recovered before they have and make the injury worse

By Alex Greig

Published: 10:08 EST, 3 January 2014 | Updated: 10:30 EST, 3 January 2014

The FDA has warned that dietary supplements being marketed to treat traumatic brain injuries such as concussion have no proof to back them up.

An alert has been issued by the FDA about products that exploit the public's concern about concussions which are 'untested, unproven and possibly dangerous.'

One company, Star Scientific, has filed an investigational new drug application, or IND, that claims its product anatabine can 'alleviate the negative consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI).'

Warning: The FDA says products like Anatabloc are making unproven claims about their ability to aid traumatic brain injuries

'We're very concerned that false assurances of faster recovery will convince athletes of all ages, coaches and even parents that someone suffering from a concussion is ready to resume activities before they are really ready,' says Gary Coody, FDA's National Health Fraud Coordinator.


Anatabine is being marketed as a treatment for TBI, but being sold as a dietary supplement in the form of Anatabloc.

Under law, a dietary supplement may not contain an ingredient that has already been submitted for investigation as a drug.

Political ties: Star Scientific CEO Johnnie Williams with Virginia First Lady Maureen McConnell

'While anatabine has been authorized as an investigational new drug, it is also considered a new dietary ingredient, which is subject to premarket notification,' an FDA spokeswoman said.

The seeming epidemic of suicides and debilitating neurological disorders among former footballers and soldiers means that public concern about concussions is at an all-time high.

'We first learned from the military about a product being marketed to treat TBI, obviously a concern with wounded veterans. We were taken aback that anyone would make a claim that a supplement could treat TBI, a hot-button issue,' says Jason Humbert, a senior regulatory manager with FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs. 'That sparked our surveillance.'

Star Scientific is the third company to receive a warning for the FDA for marketing unproven TBI drugs.

Money talks: Virginia Governor Bob McConnell's term ends January 11, but he remains under investigation by the FBI for bribery after receiving $150,000 from Johnnie Williams during his term

Star Scientific has previously come in for unwanted attention over its CEO Johnnie Williams friendship with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

McDonnell acknowledged receiving up to $150,000 in gifts from Williams, including $15,000 to help pay for his daughter's 2011 wedding. He's now under investigation by the FBI.

The company's website says Star Scientific's original mission was to create products using anatabine, found in tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, potatoes and tobacco to help people quit smoking.

The company says its now shifted its focus to the anti-inflammatory aspects of anatabine.

'As we continue to work on this problem, we can't guarantee you won't see a claim about TBIs,' Coody says. 'But we can promise you this: there is no dietary supplement that has been shown to prevent or treat them. If someone tells you otherwise, walk away.'
Read more:

Can a Dietary Supplement Treat a Concussion? No


Read more: Can dietary supplement Anatabloc cure concussions? The FDA says NO | Mail Online
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

You'd kinda wonder why they haven't approached the NFL if it really worked. What a gold mine advert that would be. You certainly wouldn't mlm it.

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Originally Posted by Whip

You'd kinda wonder why they haven't approached the NFL if it really worked. What a gold mine advert that would be. You certainly wouldn't mlm it.

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Personally, I only get medical advice from the same guy that sells me fuel additives and laundry detergent. Since he does both part time I know this leaves hours to scour medical journals.

Can't say I am privy to every medical conspiracy or miracle out there, it seems that when things shake out it is always the companies hiding the negative effects. Ephedra and Vioxx come to mind, a disease that could be cured by something simple like smoking dandelions not so much. In fact, I can't EVER think about a time the MLM/Informercial community has brought us a cure that is anything other than ancedotal

Puffy Walletitis is about the only condition that has numerous mystical cures.

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Originally Posted by Ribshaw

In fact, I can't EVER think about a time the MLM/Informercial community has brought us a cure that is anything other than ancedotal

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Oh, I don't know.

MLM does a pretty good job of curing ethics and stops morals dead in their tracks.

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Originally Posted by littleroundman

Oh, I don't know.

MLM does a pretty good job of curing ethics and stops morals dead in their tracks.

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Exactly and I say 10 thumbs down for MLM!! :RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thumbd n::RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thum bdn::RpS_thumbdn::RpS_thumbdn:

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Originally Posted by ribshaw

Can't say I am privy to every medical conspiracy or miracle out there, it seems that when things shake out it is always the companies hiding the negative effects. Ephedra and Vioxx come to mind, a disease that could be cured by something simple like smoking dandelions not so much. In fact, I can't EVER think about a time the MLM/Informercial community has brought us a cure that is anything other than ancedotal

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You can expand this and say no intervention from alternative medicine has ever "brought us a cure that is anything other than ancedotal." But it says more about the dominant medical culture (and the people trusting them) rather than the merits of alternative medicine.

Organized medicine, along with the FDA, have a long ongoing history of suppressing, dismissing, and eliminating good relevant healing approaches, while the medical industry's pawn, the FDA, serves as a loyal puppet approaving tons of useless and highly dangerous drugs and other medical products (see: FDA politics ).

Your line of argumentation is similar to saying the alternative energy community has never "brought us" good effective sustainable sources of energy "other than ancedotal." However, no doubt there is a good amount of garbage coming out of the alternative health field. Still, the most human damage is caused by the mainstream medical establishment.

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Originally Posted by Koapy

Organized medicine, along with the FDA, have a long ongoing history of suppressing, dismissing, and eliminating good relevant healing approaches.

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There is some truth in that statement but most members of the medical profession do not dismiss those who practice worthwhile alternative medical treatments as being without merit. Osteopathy, homeopathy and reflexology are widely accepted by the profession now.

Dietary supplements hawked by MLM are nearly all scams which are promoted by known scammers.

DietScamWatch

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Originally Posted by Koapy

You can expand this and say no intervention from alternative medicine has ever "brought us a cure that is anything other than ancedotal." But it says more about the dominant medical culture (and the people trusting them) rather than the merits of alternative medicine.

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No, YOU can say that.

Ribshaw drew no such conclusion and didn't make the jump from discussing Anatobloc and so called "health related" multi level marketing companies to discussing the pros and/or cons of natural vs conventional medicine.

To include Anatabloc in either the natural or conventional medicine category is to disrespect both.

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Originally Posted by Koapy

You can expand this and say no intervention from alternative medicine has ever "brought us a cure that is anything other than ancedotal." But it says more about the dominant medical culture (and the people trusting them) rather than the merits of alternative medicine.

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You bring up some good points, although we may be coming at things from in one case the same and in the other a slightly different line of thinking. I have a friend who lost a finger years ago and used acupuncture to deal with the effects of a phantom limb. Personally I use capsaicin to deal with some everyday aches and pains and am pleased with the results.

With the latter, what I object to is the product being rolled up into any number of $30 MLM pain rubs when the very same thing can be bought for $8 at almost any retail store. More than that though is the disgust with people preying on the sick as if there are some miracle cures out there if you only shell out money for whatever they happen to be selling.

There is no cure for cancer that the medical community is keeping a big secret. If there is, Kevin Trudeau and his ilk are not the ones who will spill the beans. He creates medical conspiracies to profit from the desperate. Any "cures" that he (or others) offered are in fact anecdotal.

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Originally Posted by Koapy

Organized medicine, along with the FDA, have a long ongoing history of suppressing, dismissing, and eliminating good relevant healing approaches, while the medical industry's pawn, the FDA, serves as a loyal puppet approaving tons of useless and highly dangerous drugs and other medical products (see: FDA politics ).

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This is an interesting topic, although hard to keep in a scam context alone.

There was an article in this month's Consumer Reports Consumer Reports warns of painkiller dangers - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports- putting daily deaths from pain killers at 46 in the US. Last I looked there were around 100,000 deaths from adverse drug reactions, medication errors, etc. So I don't want to come across as claiming the medical/drug community is lily white. Clearly they hide some of the bad, you get no argument from me there.

With that said where have the cures, eradication, or even treatments of diseases largely come from over the past 100 years? Cancer, Diabetes, Parkinson's, MS, PTSD, Depression, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Mumps, Measles, Polio, Ebola, just to name a few where we have made enormous strides. With things like Stem Cells who knows what the future holds.

Have those treatments come from the scientific community, or have they come from the alternative medicine or dare I say the MLM community?

Again, if your contention is the way things work in Washington is a mess then I am with you. Personally, I am completely against the "war on drugs" and that has frustrated me for my entire adult life. Politics there, buy it 100%. If your premise is all of the above conditions can be better treated by the alternative medicine community and it is some sort of a conspiracy that is keeping the cures from us, that I just don't buy.

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Originally Posted by Koapy

Your line of argumentation is similar to saying the alternative energy community has never "brought us" good effective sustainable sources of energy "other than ancedotal." However, no doubt there is a good amount of garbage coming out of the alternative health field. Still, the most human damage is caused by the mainstream medical establishment.

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My argumentation is based on where the cures and/or treatments that we can verify have come from. Not too long ago life expectancy, largely due to infant mortality was 40 years, now it is 80, soon to be 100. What of that can be demonstrated to have come from the alternative medicine community? Which if you think about it is what we had from the beginning of time until the last century.

Feel free to start a separate thread to discuss if you like, would certainly like to see if I am being too naive about what is truly available.

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/5158/Wl2l4B.jpg

Food and Drug Administration website