Update: Visitors arriving by search engine may care to read our followup post on 20 November following M.D. Anderson's filing of legal action in this case.
The premier US cancer hospital and research center in Houston released a statement today distancing themselves from a Dallas company claiming an endorsement of their water product by The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center:
Recently, you may have heard or read about a company that sells Evolv, a "nutraceutical beverage," which is being promoted in part based upon testing done at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, but also is being mistakenly viewed as endorsed by M. D. Anderson. M. D. Anderson conducted limited chemical analysis of the product to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity for a fee at the request of the manufacturer. No efficacy or toxicity data were generated at M. D. Anderson nor was the product tested on humans. Moreover, M. D. Anderson does not have any involvement with the company, the product is not produced by M. D. Anderson, and M. D. Anderson does not endorse the product or recommend its use.
The current text on Evolv's website an Evolv fan site is that:
Evolv's nutraceutical beverage with Archaea Active is tested by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
The statement as listed is not exactly wrong; it's just not complete. Nothing there about what the product was tested for, but the implication is that it gained some healing power by passing through the hallowed halls of M.D. Anderson. I also have no clue as to whether it was tested for archaea (formerly archaebacteria) or if it has the capacity to amplify DNA.
Of course, my blogging about this is going to give the company publicity (a very, very small amount). Evolv is not just water but it is sold by a multi-level marketing company. I already knew to put one hand on my wallet when I dialed up their website. The header has the quote from Mary Kay Ash, "Nothing happens until somebody sells something," which rotates with others from her and Zig Ziglar who, no doubt, did not authorize their association with the company.
But water? The next multi-level marketing craze?
I don't think this holds water.
Now if we could only get M.D. Anderson to address this other misuse of their name.
Note added 10 September 2009: This comment from EvolvHealth's Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Jonathan Gilliam, brought to my attention that I had the incorrect website for the company (as corrected above). The actual website should be http://evolvhealth.com. Currently, their product page lists the M.D. Anderson claim as follows:
Our active ingredient has been tested by the MD Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas. Evolv will be released in Fall 2009
Medicine & Health
Comments
Thanks for writing about Evolv. I don’t think it’s fair to say that M.D. Anderson “distanced” itself from Evolv; it simply stated that it does not endorse our product, a position that any public research institution would take.
We were honored that M.D. Anderson chose to research our science, which was first begun by researchers at Texas A&M University more than 15 years ago. Our manufacturer, Health2o, will release M.D. Anderson’s report next week. Read it for yourself and decide.
Also, you visited a fan site for Evolv. The official company site is www.evolvhealth.com. We’re happy to answer any question about our product or the science behind it, whether it’s from you or your non de plume.
Jonathan Gilliam
Chief Marketing Officer
EvolvHealth
Posted by: Jonathan Gilliam, CMO, EvolvHealth | September 9, 2009 7:53 PM
Oh, man, I looked at the water site... if you buy their idiotic hype....I got this great bridge to sell you!!
Posted by: anon | September 9, 2009 8:41 PM
I think anyone reading this will eagerly look forward to the report from MD Anderson (on their research into your "science" - especially since they themselves said:"M. D. Anderson conducted limited chemical analysis of the product to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity for a fee at the request of the manufacturer. No efficacy or toxicity data were generated at M. D. Anderson nor was the product tested on humans." Limited chemical analysis for anti-inflammatory activity is hardly research into the BS that is claimed for the product. I assume that you (Mr Gilliam) went beyond MD Anderson and have several peer-reviewed papers - involving the usual double-blinded trials on animals and people - to support your claims?
Can you point to the journal articles that support your "science?"
Just went to the Evolvhealth website, and yep, that reeks of multi-level marketing scam. They even have the typical psuedoscientific claims of "boosting the immune system" and the like. Perhaps the CMO would care to explain what that means?
I remember seeing an ad for this (or something like it), and it was easy to see that the "woo is strong in this one."
Posted by: Badger3k | September 9, 2009 9:08 PM
Health2o is selling colon hydrotherapy, which they say is a "method of removing large amounts of waste from the large intestine".
Posted by: daedalus2u | September 9, 2009 9:18 PM
I emailed the company about taking down the statement from their literature. Here is their reply, pasted directly from their email to me:
""
James,
MD Anderson is not in the business of recommending or endorsing products. They fulfilled an in vitro testing process for our manufacturer, Health2o to determined if Health20's product (evolve beverage) has anti-inflammatory properties. There has been miss statements from pre-enrollees that MD Anderson backed, sponsored or recommends our products. This is not the case nor have we ever represented this to be the case. Our compliance department has been vigilant in contacting any mention of MD backed or endorsing our product to get it removed asap.
We have been in communication with MD and were aware they wanted to clear up any misconceptions in the market about a potential recommendation or endorsement. This is how they have addressed the issue. Monday the Archea Active science web site will be live with the MD and FutureCeutical reports posted on the acheaactive.com web site. You will notice they neither recommend or do not recommend using our product. We addressed this within 15 minutes by posting our response on both EvlovHealth blog and Facebook.
Best regards,
Michael Smith
EvolvHealth, LLC
""
Posted by: James Randolph | September 10, 2009 9:58 AM
Network marketing is a legitimate and legal business model. Network marketing is highly regulated in the U.S. to prevent fraud and abuse. If it were a scam, then companies like Mary Kay would not thrive since the 1960's, and Monavie would not have done over $2 bil in business in the last 3 years.
Posted by: Don Ruiz | September 10, 2009 10:05 AM
Sometimes I am amazed that we live in a world so full of stupid people (or at least easily fooled) that will gladly shell out hard earned money for water. WATER!!!! Obama should give up his quest for universal health care and just invest the money in water. A billion dollars will buy a lot of water.
Posted by: Chemgeek | September 10, 2009 7:10 PM
Michael Smith,
I guess your CEO is a "pre-enrollee" then. ON YOUR WEBSITE, In the intro video, he says in the most transparent BS sincerity, that Evolv is MD Anderson BACKED. You need to do some additional editing. Being in science research for 25 years, if you have enough money you can pay to have anything tested or evaluated, this is no big accomplishment. By the way, for you pre-enrollees, in-vitro is a fancy word for lab testing. Another problem to be aware of is that if this snakeoil water was patented in '95 the patent is only good for 3 more years. I also see they just trademarked the name "archeaactive" a week or so ago. Interesting that the app includes eye creams, medicated lotions and other great marketing BS products we are sure to see in the future. ENROLL NOW before you fall off the pyramid.
Posted by: terry | September 11, 2009 1:47 AM
You who, anybody out there, Michael Smith, Jonathan Gilliam. Anybody care to reply....
How about Trey White? I thought so.....Lets sell water and make bazillions..Are you pre-enrolled? This is lovely in the name of Cancer...If we don't know what causes it, how can you refute what cures it.
Posted by: terry | September 13, 2009 2:20 AM
Abel, will you post the comments I shared a few days ago? Thanks.
Posted by: Tony Trust | September 14, 2009 8:25 AM
Terry, I care to reply. Why are you bringing up cancer and what exactly is your problem as it relates to the subject of this post?
MD Anderson is in the business of providing testing and analysis core facilities and services. These services are not always in the "name of Cancer," as you say, but they are usually conducted in order to back specific product claims. While MD Anderson is not in the business of making product claims, this is usually carried out by a vendor that is in the business of selling the product. And this is called Marketing.
Congratulations on your 25 year career in science research. Does it now feel satisfying to pretend to know about Marketing, the Evolv product and the business plan?
I am pre-enrolled. Thanks for asking. I am a marketing professional and am very impressed with the potential of this company and product.
Tony Trust
http://twitter.com/tonytrust
Posted by: Tony Trust | September 14, 2009 8:53 AM
@tony trust September 14, 2009 8:53 AM "Does it now feel satisfying to pretend to know about Marketing, the Evolv product and the business plan?"
There is no pretense, we know that apt marketing sells useless stuff. I know that hard-core salespeople take the most satisfaction inducing people to buy stuff they don't need. So, I know how you feel when you pretend to know about the utility (despite, lack of it) of a product that you can successfully foist on the unsuspecting public.
Posted by: Joe | September 14, 2009 1:31 PM
Joe,
I'm certainly not a hard-core salesperson considering I haven't made a single phone call to anyone about the Evolv product. Well, I prefer high-tech over high-touch.
I disagree with your opinion because I am sure water is useful for people and the Direct Sales business model is proven.
To stay on topic here I must make the point that as with any other product, technological distinction is an important factor. Hence the testing of the product by M.D. Anderson. I am sure everyone is looking forward to learn about the findings.
Here is some info in response to those who "foist on the unsuspecting public" - http://www.evolvhealth.info/evolv-marketing/evolv-health-scam-or-not/
The product is natural spring water with nutrients. Lighten up. Some of us like to sell useless stuff like water.
Tony Trust
http://twitter.com/tonytrust
Posted by: Tony Trust | September 14, 2009 2:22 PM
Monday... Almost Tuesday... No info posted yet on archaeaactive.com
Posted by: Suspect | September 15, 2009 1:11 AM
Anyone care to comment on the statement by the evolv CEO saying that the product is backed by Anderson? Or has that been removed from the video floating around You Tube(High Tech) This product if "inferred" to death. There are a zillion institutions in which to conduct testing, why did you have to pick a premier cancer hospital? YOU HAVE NO RESULTS what are you applauding? If marketing is selling stuff that no one really needs, its all yours. What a satifying career choice and existence.
Posted by: terry | September 15, 2009 9:53 PM
Amazing; Whenever a new product or company company come on the market, there are always someone who has dedicated their time to tearing it down. If I built a shelter for the homeless, I know some of you here would post finding something bad about it.
If any of the nay sayers had came up with the concept, they would not be here.
Posted by: Bruce | September 16, 2009 5:15 AM
I have built and sold five companies over the past 18 years in the medical device arena. Not a one was based on deception, as this company has positioned itself . This is what infuriates me, you have a product that's not a new concept and that could never survive on the shelves of a store as a truly beneficial product. So you create what you call "direct marketing" to push it. It is nothing more than a pyramid, you buy so many, suck your friends in to buy so many more, they suck their friends in and you get a little piece of each one of these. And if you are early, you are at the top reaping in "millions". So all of you pre-enrollees are scrambling for your position to be near the top of this "opportunity" with visions of Lamborginis and Rolls Royces dancing in your heads, ala MonaVie. Can someone answer my question, why the CEO says that the product is backed by Anderson? This is the basis of this whole Blog isn't it? Why are all of the deciples doing all of the answering? Where's Jesus?
Posted by: terry | September 16, 2009 1:54 PM
Terry, I think I answered your question in comment #12. My opinion only, of course --
Evolv makes claims about the product regarding anti-inflammatory activity. The product undergoes tests by MD Anderson for this activity. These tests at MD Anderson serve to back product claims. When one says "backed by MD Anderson," perhaps they are essentially abbreviating "backed by [test data produced by hired lab professionals at] MD Anderson." Is it the best choice of expression? No. But if you think there is "deception" going on here I think you are stretching too far yourself.
While the general direct sales distribution model is similar to MonaVie, the product and pricing are very different. In fact you can find a lot of beverages on the store shelves that sell for $2. Even if it doesn't fit within your budget or lifestyle, the market reality does dictate that this product will be in high demand.
So, you have implied first that I am a hardcore salesman, and now that I am a disciple or religious follower? Neither could be further from the truth!
You are right that pre-enrolling in Evolv to build a Direct Sales business could be quite lucrative, but you are obviously portraying some late night infomercial in your amusingly exaggerated description. Of course the truth is that building any successful business requires commitment and work.
Evolv has a solid leadership team that is quite busy these days. I think they do not have the luxury to hang out in blogs as I do. Not sure Jesus has time either. I'm glad you and I have time. This will be interesting to read 6 months from now.
Tony Trust
http://twitter.com/tonytrust
Posted by: Tony Trust | September 16, 2009 8:04 PM
If you go back to blog #5, Michael Smith, not sure of his position at Evolv, says that the claim "backed by MD Anderson" was the result of miss-statements from the pre-enrollees.
So explain why the CEO says the very same thing in his video. It looks like they are throwing all of you pre-enrollees under the bus. Do you really want to work for a company that does this? I think it is in their best interest to answer these questions. This isn't just a blog, it is a relevant conversation about a serious claim that has been made and serious enough that the organization that you are hanging your hat on for credibility is distancing themselves from you guys as fast as they can. If this was my company I wouldn't shrug this off. I want an answer from the spin doctor himself. Does anyone know anything about the so called patent on this product?
Posted by: Terry | September 17, 2009 7:18 PM
While we appreciate a robust discussion about any topic, including Evolv, Terry here and others like him are just vitriolic and we'd rather not acknowledge people who enjoy anonymously lambasting the sincere efforts of honest people. But if I must I'll respond briefly:
1. Michael Smith, a customer service rep, was hired the day before he posted. He is embarrassed to say the least. Please lay off him, he's really a good guy.
2. The video you refer to was created in our first week of operation when information was limited. Apologies for inconsistencies but, as you say, the video is you-tubed and out there already. I think people are okay with our re-statements. Reasonable people, anyway.
3. I acknowledge in advance that we will make some mistakes. But one thing you can count on is we are being truthful and honest about what we are doing. If you just can't seem to believe that, we're really okay with it.
I wish you the best and sincerely hope you can find something positive to focus on. In that spirit, this is my last post to this blog.
JG
Posted by: Jonathan Gilliam, CMO, EvolvHealth | September 17, 2009 9:30 PM
First of all I am not anonymous. This is my real name and I will be more than happy to talk to you personally or anyone else. Lambasting? only when I can't get an answer. Vitriolic? Nice word! thats why you are the CMO, whats a CMO? This is the first attempt from anyone at your company at being truthful and I thank you. Why not remove the video off your website until the data comes back from Anderson. If its good, you have a hit if not there are probably CMO positions available at Mary Kay or MonaVie. This is the very least thing that you could do to limit the deception. If you truly have something that is beneficial then I am all for it. Beneficial from a consumer standpoint, not monetary from a salesman's point of view. Remember ......we are watching you
Posted by: terry | September 18, 2009 8:46 PM
Hey Guys, if you dont like network marketing, I am not going to try to convince you to like it... If you dont want to drink or buy Evolv, dont drink or buy it... If you dont want to pre-enroll, dont... What is the big deal?
Posted by: Daniel Lehman | September 22, 2009 6:54 PM
It is the misleading nature of how much scientific backing this has from MD Anderson, which claims that they never interpreted and data, that irks me. This is the their bio on Twitter:
"Bio
Welcome to Evolv Health USA team page. Evolv yourself! Opportunity of lifetime on ground floor of new Bioscience company with patent backed by MD Anderson."
Posted by: bobcollum | September 24, 2009 11:40 PM
the archaea active site is up now for anyone that was waiting on it... archaea active dot com...
Posted by: daniel | September 25, 2009 9:36 PM
Evolv is just another scam. I almost doubled over in laughter at the guy at the gym tonight who continues to try to get people to believe this is a real business. This guy even went as far as to say that he'll be putting this product into a vending machine owned by Coca-Cola. It was some good comedy. Then again the man trying to hype "water" also is involved in several pyramid schemes that he's tried to get people to join at the gym as well.
Posted by: Junior | September 30, 2009 5:36 AM
Hey Bob and Junior,
I am not much of a twitterer or facebooker, someone needs to relay this information on both of those sites. We have the ability to stop this farce before it gets started. Before innocent, gullable people lose their money to these slimy, you know whats.
Posted by: terry | October 1, 2009 9:35 PM
I just read the results and based on the test results and information released by MD Anderson, it sounds like water. To me, when the results state "detectable but BLQ (below level of quantification)". For me, BLQ simply states, there, but in such small amounts, we don't have a number for it... there IS no number that small.
It really sounds like another bottled water, expensive bottled water... but water, nonetheless.
There are a lot of folks, in these horribly recessed times that are desperate to simply pay the bills.... the company should do well.
Posted by: Carly | October 3, 2009 6:09 AM
Nice word! thats why you are the CMO, whats a CMO? This is the first attempt from anyone at your company at being truthful and I thank you. Why not remove the video off your website until the data comes back from Anderson. If its good, you have a hit if not there are probably CMO positions available at Mary Kay or MonaVie. This is the very least thing that you could do to limit the deception. If you truly have something that is beneficial then I am all for it.
Posted by: Hosting | October 4, 2009 4:53 PM
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE. IF There Was ever A Lucrative opportunity that would provide exponential wealth. Then direct marketing companies would give exclusive territory distribution rights. No I Repeat NO Direct Snake Oil Pyramid Schemes EVER Give you a Partner opportunity. This means Any Joe Schmoes Including All your neighbors can sell A Stupid Product Like This to everyone. This creates Huge Competition This one factor Plays the most vital role for being successful. If pyramid Schemes worked so well. Why didn't Red Bull the Nations #1 Selling energy Drink Start off as direct pyramid Marketing company? Why? Because they actually needed a distribution channel that already has working business model of selling drinks to local retailers. AHHHH HAAA did RED Bull Actually think a business model Like direct marketing is how they were going to make money. every beverage company knows that shelf space down at your local market is ne of the best way to push you product. I Repeat nobody will ever have the right to exclusively distribute evolve in one certain territory. So any tom dick or harry can sell the same Snake oil to everyone. How will anybody make money? That's why major beverage companies have distribution channels with actual beverage distributor's. Not some person who thinks the are going to get rich Quick by watching some guy with mannerisms like Bill Clinton on a website that was created for $5000. Step right UP sign up for the another scheme of the century. Good luck but you will never see the results of of long term hard work. Just like every other direct marketing companies IE monvie , Zrii or snake oil etcc... until they setup channels for territory based sale which means you could actually sell direct to retailers no one will ever make long term wealth.
Posted by: King Of Truth | October 6, 2009 1:04 AM
There is a sucker born every minute. The evolv's snake-oil distributors will be out there to find them!
Even if the archaea ingredient produces a limited anti-inflammatory response (notice how the data on their web site is incredibly difficult to read), how does that translate into how much they put in the beverage? Notice that no where do they tell you how much is in the beverage -- only that is doesn't effect appearance or taste of the water (so how much could actually be there??)
Tony Trust, posting above, admits that saying that it is "backed by" M.D. Anderson isn't the "best choice of expression", but do they change it?? Of course not.
Does anyone ask why this stuff is being sold in a MLM-type scam marketing? Because it would never sell in a real store, there would be too much scrutiny -- by customers and retailers, and it would be much more visible by the FDA and FTC who would shut this nonsense down pretty quickly. No selling water with dubious ingredients with magical claims is much easier down quietly by local snake-oil salesmen, who will look you in the eye and tell you and personally reassure you this is the best thing on earth and will cure and prevent cancer. The sad part is that there are people who fall for this crap. Look at Mona Vie. supposedly billions of dollars in sales of a $70 juice blend that would sell in a normal store for significantly less than $10. Sad. evolv is pure nonsense and BS. Run away.
Posted by: HealthyPeople | October 31, 2009 11:02 AM
I drank this crap for 3 weeks, I'm on the 4th case now. I'm pissed because I spent so much time hyping up this during the pre-enrollment period. There is nothing in this water, and if there is, there must be very tiny traces of it. The nutritional facts are all zeros, the only difference is outside the nutritional facts it lists some ingredients like alfalfa, bromelain and Papain. I'm not convinced that the same product tested by MD Anderson is the same end product. I didn't know anything about the company so I was basing my decision to work this MLM on the product actually producing personal results. On top of the $55/case, there is a 2 case minimum, and shipping is almost $30! And I live in Dallas near their distribution center. Then they make you pay $40 for a distributor kit, which is essentially a padfolio with their logo all over it. Then, you have to pay $20 a month to see your downline...lmao...they call it the Premium e-center. I'm now waiting to see if they actually pay commissions since I did sign up people as distributors. You would think that if this product gives you energy, stamina and all that bs, then they would make a claim about kids drinking it. But evidently, your kids can drink as much as they want and these fools give these $3 water to their dogs too.
Posted by: devolved | November 3, 2009 3:10 PM
MD Anderson is doing more than distincing themselves. They are filing a federal lawsuit against Evolv after asking them to remove MD Anderson's name from their product. Evolv refused to cooperate, so now they are about to get the crap sued out of them! Good going Evolv!
Posted by: Z | November 20, 2009 4:35 PM