David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School professor who had been working with Shaklee as a member of their scientific advisory board, has quit.
Sinclair’s exit from the company is not entirely shocking as he has been questioned lately regarding his involvement and endorsement of Shaklee’s latest revolutionary product, and anti-aging serum called Vivix which has been touted as the “world’s best anti-aging supplement.” Sinclair has been helping to promote the product since it was introduced in August. The Vivix syrup is said to be a key ingredient to extending life.
The exit from the board comes after being questioned in the past weeks by the Wall Street Journal about the endorsement of the product. Dr. Sinclair now claims that his name has been misused in connection to Vivix and disputes claims that he approved use of his name in its advertising material.
Shaklee, the California based direct sales company claims that they had the full support of Dr. Sinclair with regarding to Vivix, a formula which contains the antioxidant resveratrol which claims to help slow or even halt the aging process. This is a huge blow to Shaklee who for several months has enjoyed the backing of a Harvard professor and reputable doctor, something no direct sales company nowadays has.
Both sides are taking firm stands on the issue, with Harvard Medical School even reviewing Shaklee’s use of Dr. Sinclair’s name as well as any references on the website or in promotional videos of the Harvard name.
Shaklee released a statement saying that “every implied product endorsement was in Dr. Sinclair’s own words and every Shaklee use of his name — whether in print or video — was pre-approved by him in keeping with our agreement.
Shaklee’s grape tasting Vivix is quite pricey, at $100 for 30 teaspoons, which is roughly a month’s supply, and while it is pricey, Shaklee says that there is a huge request for the product which has been purchased by well over 100,00 people since it was introduced, and orders are even backlogged.
Popularity: 78% [?]
The whole issue is the power of money. Glaxo Smith Kline gave Sinclair $8 million, his share of a company which was sold to Glaxo, plus an agreement to pay him $300,000 per year. Not bad for a researcher with aspirations. An interview with Charlie Rose got to his head along with the money. All of a sudden, his work with Shaklee is a mistake, and whatever he was paid by Shaklee should be overlooked. Also to be forgotten was talks by Sinclair at conventions, interviews and radio sessions, when no one was holding his hand. Did he misinterpret what he himself said? There is no question that Glaxo plans to bring out a competitive product, charging far more since it will be a drug, and needs Sinclair to praise the Glaxo product’s efficacy. This is the power of money. Harvard is upset because it is not getting a royalty from Sinclair’s work which might be legitimate since he was taking a salary from the school. Why would anyone would believe Sinclair again after his behavior in this affair? But, he does have all that Glaxo money.
Comment by charles hopfl — December 30, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Nothing seems to be easier than seeing someone whom you can help but not helping.
I suggest we start giving it a try. Give love to the ones that need it.
God will appreciate it.
Comment by keypelierty — January 21, 2009 @ 8:20 pm