State officials found MGPI and MGM-15 in some products sold as “cat’s claw”; they did not directly link the Buzzers brand to the four deaths.
Utah officials said four deaths have been linked to semi-synthetic compounds derived from kratom. MGPI and MGM-15 were found in some herbal supplements, including products labelled “cat’s claw.” The state poison control centre urged the public not to buy or use the products.
Utah health and agriculture officials said natural cat’s claw itself is not harmful, but testing of certain products found opioid-like compounds in them. Officials said such products may be sold under brands including Buzzers, labelled with the botanical name Uncaria tomentosa, or advertised as kratom-free. They stressed that the warning does not directly link Buzzers products to the four deaths.
The Drug Enforcement Administration temporarily placed MGPI and MGM-15 in Schedule I. Michael Moss, medical director of the Utah Poison Control Center, warned of addiction, withdrawal and overdose risks. He urged retailers not to sell the products and healthcare providers to consider possible exposure.
Kratom is used for pain relief and by some people dealing with depression or opioid withdrawal, but it can be addictive and in severe cases cause overdose and death. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom as a dietary supplement. NBC News, citing the CDC, reported 233 kratom-related deaths from 2015 to 2025.