Monday, November 2, 2009 – After Market Close

Green Baron New “Stock Pick”

 

Vivakor, Inc.

(BB: VIVK - $.47 per share) 

www.Vivakor.com    

Common Shares Outstanding / 61,593,629

Estimated Float / 11,036,000

Current Market Cap / $28.9 million

 52-Week High / $.679 per share

52-Week Low / $.11 per share

Average Price / $.39 (50-day)

Average Volume / 18,200 (50-day)

 

Vivakor’s Four Divisions Focused on Prevention and Detection to Extend and Improve Life

1.    Vivakor’s CryoVials Viewed as Improved Method for Recovery of Viable Cells Post Cryopreservation; New Distribution Agreement Signed October 8

2.    Vivakor’s Patented, FDA Cleared Technology Enhances Resolution of Images Resulting from MRI; Information to Help Diagnose, Predict and Assess Stroke and Related Diseases Involving Blood Flow Obstruction

3.    Vivakor’s Digital PhotoRefractor (DPR) Used to Modernize Child Vision Screening

4.    Vivakor’s Proprietary Balanced VivaBlend Combines 18 Different Extracts and Bioactive Fruits/Vegetables to Produce a Game-Changing Nutraceutical Product; Compare your blood before and after taking VivaBlend!

Green Baron Sees Vivakor is an Investor Friendly Biotech Winner; Partnerships / Licenses with Manufacturers and Distribution Leaders to Generate Near-term Revenues to Support Research and Growth

It is rare to find a biotechnology company that has products ready for sale now that can drive revenues to fund development of its full planned product line.  We have been following this stock since it went public, and have patiently waited for best time to present it to our members.  In the coming weeks and months, we believe this stock will significantly outperform nearly all other stocks, and we anticipate many new motivated investors will be exposed to the incredible potential of this Company. 

The Green Baron Report is proud to announce that Vivakor, Inc. (BB: VIVK) is officially our 82^nd fully profiled Green Baron “Stock Pick” and will be added to our storied list of previously profiled stocks on our home page.  Results compiled from the most recent trade possible prior to dissemination of this report to the subsequent high will be monitored at www.thegreenbaron.com.   Although we have very aggressive short and long term expectations for Vivakor, we still suggest our members try to accumulate as close to the profile price as possible.

TRADING NOTES:  VIVK is a fully reporting Bulletin Board stock that began to trade publicly at the end of August 2009.  The stock rallied to .67 in mid-September, but fell in mid-October on light volume.  Over the past few weeks, there has been improved market marker participation and activity.  The spread on VIVK has recently been only a few cents, and the stock is demonstrating strong support at .40 per share.  It is our opinion that VIVK will break through to new year highs over the next 30 days.

Vivakor™ is a biomedical/biotechnology company with transdisciplinary research that develops and acquires products in the fields of molecular medicine, electro-optics, biological handling and natural and formulary compounds that extend or improve life.  Transdisciplinary R&D is the development of effective technologies and cures through contribution of many scientific disciplines.  Vivakor’s mission is to advance this type of R&D and rapidly bring products to market through multiple commercialization strategies.

The Green Baron Report believes our members should actively accumulate VIVK stock for dozens of reasons, but these are at the top of our list:

·         Best New Product on Market - Vivathermic products were designed to improve cryopreservation of sensitive biological material including stem cells and include a temperature conductive vial, CryoKeeper and CryoCarrier.  Vivakor signed a distribution agreement in October and we believe sales will skyrocket for this product line as the market realizes the benefits over competitive products.  Vivakor estimates that it may capture up to 1.5% of the $1.9 billion market for laboratory bioconsumables by 2011 and industry leading distributors anticipate a 3% annual growth in cryovial sales segment.

·         Multi-Billion Dollar Market - VivaBlend – This proprietary blend of phytochemical extracts from antioxidant rich bioactive fruits and vegetables is expected to begin generating sales and earnings.  We believe results announced in a press release dated September 14, 2009 could provide the marketing muscle for explosive sales.  Comparing results, “VivaBlend contains 425% of the levels of total antioxidants and 850% of the levels of lipophilic antioxidants found in an equivalent volume of Mona Vie (a very popular antioxidant beverage).  In addition, results show that VivaBlend is rich in beneficial phytochemicals or plant polyphenols (7.05 mg/ml), which is over 475% of the total phenolics reported in Mona Vie.” 

·         VivaSight – This technology (device, software and accessories) will modernize child vision screening.  With anticipation of legislatively mandated pediatric vision screening, demand for these products is high and will continue to grow.  VivaSight is currently in clinical validation at the University of Iowa, and product launch in anticipated in the summer of 2010. Market is $50 million / year.

·         VivaSlices – This technology bought from Health America is a software upgrade to older MRI units that allows the unit to achieve higher resolution using a patented algorithm.  VivaSlices may also have application with Computed Tomography (CT and CAT Scan) procedures, and analyzing assess blood flow characteristics in patients with hypertension or stroke.  VivaSlices is going through a software upgrade and revalidation process, and the new generation product is anticipated to launch in the fall of 2010.  Market is $300 million / year.

·         Vivakor’s other technologies in development include an anemia monitor, multi-spectrum imaging (MSI), and a Clinical Biomolecular Sensor (CBS) that would all compete in market valued at hundreds of millions of dollars annually.  Although each of these potential products represents core breakthrough technologies, we know investors tend to focus on the near-term.  Just remember that Vivakor has enough in the pipe to make this a major biotechnology concern.

At a current market cap of under $25 million, we view VIVK as a bargain because the Company is capable of effectively competing in multiple markets representing hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two years.  Vivakor has several options available when attacking these markets, and will most likely choose to license its products to others with powerful existing distribution channels.  VIVK is an undiscovered gem that should multiply several times during our coverage.  Read on and discover more about this valuable and wonderful entity.

About Vivakor, Inc.

Vivakor, Inc. is a transdisciplinary research company that develops products in the fields of molecular medicine, electro-optics, biological handling and natural and formulary compounds.  We also provide contract research services for third parties.  We have developed numerous products and have filed many patents or provisional patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).  We intend to commercialize such products, after completion of any required regulatory approvals, through one of three methods:  a sale of the technology, licensing of the product to a manufacturer or distributor or, in some cases, by manufacturing, marketing and directly selling the products ourselves.

Our business model is to be a research hub focused on areas that have both an identified scientific need and a substantial market opportunity.  Our company mission is to advance new ideas to improve the quality of life for individual patients, researchers, clinician or consumer.  We believe that the development of substantive technologies and cures for complex human conditions, illnesses and diseases require a sophisticated approach with contribution from many areas of scientific expertise typically requiring a lengthier trajectory to market.  Our hub approach is intended to provide the necessary environment of transdisciplinary collaboration and cross-pollination to advance this type of research.  Our research is anchored by our relationship with collaborative partners and product-specific commercialization strategies.  From the commencement of product conception through development, we target specific commercialization strategies and expect to have collaborative partners or licensing arrangements in place for each of our products before completion.  We expect this model to offer several advantages to our shareholders, including a more efficient research and development process and a quicker time to market after completion of development.

Our pathway for development of products follows one of two routes to commercialization.  First is a short-term path in which products for which an expedited regulatory oversight is available are rapidly pushed to the prototype and alpha testing phase.  These projects represent rapidly commercializable technologies and products that we expect will have the potential to generate revenue quickly.  Second is a long-term path in which more involved and complex projects are developed.  These products typically require substantial regulatory oversight or approval.  We anticipate that cash flow generated by the short-term projects will help to fund the long-term projects.  These longer incubating projects characteristically represent breakthrough technologies with more risk but higher revenue potential.

Science

Biological Handling

Vivakor is developing new technologies for the preservation, storage, handling and shipping of biological materials. Cryogenic preservation and rapid freezing and thawing are core methods being improved at Vivakor. Research in this area has lead to the advancement of vials with improved temperature control (e.g. improved cryovials, PCR tubes, etc.), devices for cryogenic sample transport, a novel cryogenic biopsy device, and improved modular cryogenic freezer designs.

Electro Optics

Vivakor is actively designing, building and testing several new electro-optic devices to reach previously un-served or underserved areas of the biomedical device market. These include: a Digital PhotoRefractor (DPR) which will be used to modernize child vision screening, a Label Free Multiplexed Clinical Biomolecular Sensor (CBS) which represents a significant improvement of current antigen array technologies for the detection and diagnosis of complex human conditions (cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, auto immune and inflammatory diseases), multi-spectral imaging devices to examine burn degree and cutaneous melanoma, and spectroscopic devices to track wound healing and ear infection.

Natural & Formulary

Vivakor espouses a holistic approach to medicine including both naturopathic and allopathic approaches. Vivakor is investigating the healing properties of botanicals and developing supplements and pharmaceutical (OTC and prescription) products that harness the power of these natural sources. Vivakor is particularly focused on the investigation, validation and adaptation of medical herbalism or botanical medicine.

Contract Research

Vivakor also performs contract research and development in molecular biology and devices engineering. This includes contracts to perform several studies to investigate and validate topical product claims. Vivakor has developed a novel TO2PICAL permeability test that measures breathability of topical products. We also offer contract services in the areas of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical layout, and LabView programming for instrument control and digital image analysis. Vivakor is seeking contracts with additional companies to perform contract research.

For more information please contact info@vivakor.com.

Products

Vivathermic Vials

VivaThermic CryoVial Technology - We are actively developing the technologies required for the cryopreservation of diverse biological samples with improved recovery of viable cells post-cryopreservation. Emphasis has been placed on strategies to eliminate the variations and time delays experienced in the current biopsy and tissue preservation procedure by integrating a cryogenic freezing capacity into the biopsy device.

Critical advancements in biological sample preservation are evolving. We have developed specialized cryovials that accommodate an improved method of cryopreservation of cells, blood, and other bio-materials. When cryopreserving biological materials, the rate of cooling is the main factor affecting the cell viability. Material choice and design features of cryovials are critical parameters affecting the cooling rate.  Existing cryovials do not allow for rapid freezing. They are usually manufactured from conventional polypropylene which is a poor thermally conductive material. In addition, they offer no special design features to enhance heat transfer.

Our cryovials benefit from better designs, a unique cap feature and improved use of materials resulting in better performance during the freezing and thawing process. The target markets for our cryovials include clinical laboratories, hospitals, fertility clinics, veterinarians, agribusiness, animal breeding and research laboratories.

Vivaslices

SLICES™ - Our acquisition of HealthAmerica’s SLICES™ technology will provide a technology platform for optimization and adaptation by our scientists.  This patented technology has received FDA 510(k) clearance and it is intended that this technology will enhance the resolution of images resulting from MRI.  The underlying algorithm may be useful in the determination of blood flow velocity measures in imaged tissues.  Such information would be valuable in accessing areas of blood flow constriction from plaques or other hematologic deposits.  This information could help physicians better diagnose, predict and assess stroke and related diseases involving blood flow obstruction.

Vivasight

VivaSight (Digital PhotoRefractor or DPR) - We have developed a device that we expect will modernize screening of pre-verbal and pre-literate children for ocular disorders.  This type of screening is increasingly required by state governments prior to enrollment in the public school system.  Our scientists are collaborating with physicians and clinicians at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences to develop a clinic-ready device.

Data from the National Eye Institute (NEI) states that 2.3 million children have undiagnosed eye disorders that can lead to blindness if left untreated.  Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye”, is the leading cause of monocular vision loss in the 20 to 70+ age range.  It causes more vision loss than diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Amblyopia occurs when the optical powers of the two eyes are different and the brain favors the visual signal from one eye, functionally ignoring the vision in the amblyopic eye. According to the NEI, an estimated 300,000 to 750,000 children between the ages of three to five suffer from amblyopia.  Visual acuity develops principally during the pre-school years, from birth to about five years old, as a child’s visual experience molds its genetic blueprint into its adult visual sensory system. If treatment is not initiated during the visual maturation period, the prognosis for normal visual development is poor.  Amblyopia can be reversed and cured if it is detected and treated during the critical visual development period. Unfortunately, less than 21% of preschool children receive some form of vision screening each year. Even those who are screened are often improperly screened by a general health practitioner, pediatrician or screening volunteer due to inadequate experience and lack of equipment or techniques for an assiduous exam. Some children receive proper eye exams once they start school; unfortunately by then it may be too late to effectively treat amblyopia.

Our DPR has been designed with ongoing end-user input to produce a device that will readily penetrate and gain wide acceptance in the vision screening market.  Most importantly our DPR offers all screening programs a low cost device with a high sensitivity and specificity. This device will streamline the screening process by the following: 1) Eliminate recurring cost of Polaroid film, 2) Instantaneously image a subject across two meridians of strabismus and refractive error,  3) Detect improper subject fixation, 4) Digitize and automate the interpretation process, 5) Quantify the image interpretation and adjust the referral criteria based upon screening demographics to achieve predetermined levels of sensitivity and specificity, and 6) Give an instant refer/do not refer response to the screener.  This device is currently in clinical testing and is in Phase II of the development process.  On May 5, 2009, the National Institute of Health through the National Eye Institute awarded us a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research Award grant in the amount of $112,912 to conduct research related to the development of the our DPR and the detection of amblyogenic risk factors.

Vivablend

VivaBlend (USPTO Provisional Patent #61093311) - Our proprietary balanced blend of more than 18 different sources of  phytochemical extracts from antioxidant rich bioactive fruits and vegetables tested by the USDA that can be added to many consumer foods, drinks and nutraceuticals as a convenient daily source of important antioxidants and other critical bioactive phytochemicals.

VIVABlend is distributed by Regeneca International. www.regeneca.com

Clinical Trials

Digital Photoscreener

We are pleased to announce that on June 3, 2008, VIVAKOR Inc. launched the Clinical Validation Study of it Digital PhotoScreener (DPR). The study will be conducted at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the prestigious Department of Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic. This important study was carefully reviewed and subsequently approved by the AAHRPP-Accredited Western Institutional Review Board (WIRB), a highly respected third-party clinical research review board. VIVAKOR's DPR was designed as a more sensitive, specific and user-friendly device to screen children for amblyogenic risk factors (e.g. myopia, hyperopia, ocular misalignment, etc.). If left undetected and untreated these conditions often lead to monocular blindness in children. VIVAKOR's technology was also designed to streamline the screening process and reduce the overall time and cost of vision screening.  The clinical trials are ongoing and the estimated completion date is late 2009.

Opti-Ear

This is a device that optically determines the redness of the tympanic membrane. Such redness is often associated with middle ear infections. This device is intended to be a home-use device to assist parents in determining ear redness as an indication to take their child to a physician for examination. In this study, the OPTI-EAR device will be used to take redness reading of children's ears with confirmed cases of ear infection and confirmed cases of no ear infection to determine the devices ability to distinguish the two groups.

Anemia Monitor

This is an optical device that detects the reflected spectral properties of cutaneous hemoglobin in a non-contact, non-invasive manner. In this study patients being monitored for anemia and routinely having their Complete Blood Counts assessed, would be enrolled as subjects. The ANEMIA MONITOR would be used to track hemoglobin levels over a pre-determined period and these data would be compared to the Complete Blood Count data.

Recent Key Press Releases

Thursday, October 8, 2009 – Vivakor Launches Sales of VivaThermic Products to Exploding Biotech Sector in India - CORALVILLE, Iowa - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Vivakor, Inc. (OTCBB: VIVK) announces distribution of its VivaThermic products to the rapidly growing biotech/biopharma industries in India through its agreement with Pro Lab Marketing Pvt. Ltd. This agreement gives Pro Lab Marketing distribution rights for Vivakor's VivaThermic cryovials in India. Pro Lab Marketing, based in New Delhi, is a well-established Indian supplier of biotechnology-related products and equipment throughout India.

"We are impressed with the VivaThermic products and their outstanding performance," stated Mr. J.K. Jain, Managing Director of Pro Lab Marketing. He continues, "Through our distribution agreement with Vivakor we will introduce the VivaThermic products to our customers throughout India who will benefit greatly from use of this technology."

Vivakor's CEO, Dr. Tannin Fuja, indicated that, "The Indian biotechnology industry is gaining significant momentum and India figures to become a prominent player in the global biotech market. A number of India's biotech firms are beginning to emerge as major global players." The budding of an innovative Indian biotech sector will hold major implications for the global industry and for improving both health and prosperity in the developing world.

Pro Lab Marketing, which distributes products for numerous reputable U.S. and international manufacturers, supplies this growing Indian industry with equipment and supplies. A recent report, "Booming Biotech Market in India," valued the Indian biotechnology market at US$ 2.86 Billion in 2007-08, and projects an annual growth rate of 30% in near future. The study also reports that Biopharma remains India's biggest sector, accounting for nearly 70% of the total revenues in 2007-08 and is expected to be worth US$ 5.7 billion by 2012-2013. The future of the bio-supplier industry in India looks very bright and Vivakor is pleased to introduce its superior VivaThermic cryovials to its Indian customers through Pro Lab Marketing.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 – A New Audio Interview with Vivakor’s Chairman, Matt Nicosia, is Now at SmallCapVoice.com - AUSTIN, Texas - SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. announced today that a new audio interview with Vivakor, Inc. (OTCBB: VIVK) is now available. The interview can be heard at http://smallcapvoice.com/blog/9-29-09-audio-interview-with-vivakor-inc-otcbb-vivk/.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 – Vivakor Announces Former General Electric Healthcare Division Executive Joins its Board of Directors - CORALVILLE, Iowa - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Vivakor, Inc. (OTCBB: VIVK) today announced that John Gryga, former executive with General Electric's Healthcare division and former Director of Operations for RadNet, has joined Vivakor's Board of Directors. At RadNet, Mr. Gryga was responsible for growing annual revenues from $20 million to over $150 million. Mr. Gryga will steer Vivakor in the commercialization of several of its Electro-Optic devices including its VivaSlices MRI image improvement software and its VivaSight vision-screening digital photo-refractor ("DPR") product, and other medical devices in development at Vivakor.

"John brings a tremendous wealth of experience, contacts and specific commercialization initiatives to the table. All of us at Vivakor welcome John and are excited about the opportunities his presence on the Board will bring the Company," said Vivakor's Chairman, Matt Nicosia.

In this capacity, Mr. Gryga will utilize his experience in commercialization of medical devices to assist in the commercialization of Vivakor's proprietary MRI technology, VivaSlices. This technology is a software upgrade that allows MRI units to achieve higher resolution by using a patented technology. Additionally, VivaSlices may be useful in analyzing blood flow characteristics in patients with hypertension or stroke. The estimated market potential for the VivaSlices technology may be more than $300.0 million annually.

Mr. Gryga will also play an advisory role in the commercialization of Vivakor's VivaSight technology, which is expected to modernize screening of children for ocular disorders. Vivakor was recently awarded a grant from National Institutes of Health-National Eye Institute through the Small Business Innovation Research Awards for development of VivaSight DPR which is in the final stages of a clinical validation study being conducted at the University of Iowa. Vivakor believes that the DPR eye screening market potential will be $50.0 million per year and expects a commercial launch of the product in the second quarter of 2010.

Monday, September 21, 2009 – Vivakor Achieves Major Advancement in Design and Performance of its Superior Cryopreservation Consumables; Improves 2010 Revenues Projections for VivaThermic Division - Vivakor, Inc. announced the successful testing results of its new self-sealing caps for its VivaThermic vials. The unique self-sealing cap was designed to provide a superior seal, preventing leakage and cross-contamination, without utilization of o-rings or similar seals that are commonly used in currently available products and which may be compromised at cryogenic temperatures, leading to leakage or cross-contamination. Data from these recent tests show that the new self-sealing cap design can reliably withstand positive and negative pressures of greater than 645 torr for extended periods of time.

"Vivakor scientists developed the high-performance VivaThermic vials to offer users better temperature control in slow freezing," explained Dr. Tannin Fuja, CEO & Chief Scientist at Vivakor. Testing results show that the VivaThermic Ultra vials give a 300% better temperature control than standard cryovials or microcentrifuge tubes. For example, if a user wants to freeze a sample slowly, using precise temperature control, the VivaThermic vials give superior precision; or, if a user wants to thaw a sample quickly, the VivaThermic vials will thaw the sample 3 times faster than market leading vials. Dr. Fuja affirmed, "We have tested our vials against those sold through or used by companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO), Cardinal Health (CAH) and Life Technologies (LIFE), and our vials have outperformed them all in temperature control." Amazingly, the VivaThermic vials maintain this high level of temperature control over a large sample range 0.01 ml to 1.5 ml, making it attractive to a wide range of customers that work with both large and small sample volumes.

The VivaThermic vials also have a unique 2-in-1 design, which allows them to be used as both a cryovial and a microcentrifuge tube that can fit into standard laboratory racks, trays and microcentrifuge rotors. They have the strength to withstand centrifugal force (MCF) up to 20,000 times the force of gravity. This dual functionality is expected to improve customer production efficiency and reduce time and material costs by eliminating the need to transfer samples between vials and microcentrifuges.

One of the most significant advancements in the new VivaThermic vials is the reduction of freezing injury to cells, which normally occurs when cells are cooled to cryogenic temperatures and subsequently thawed. Studies have shown that freeze/thaw injury can change the physiological function, enzymatic activity and genetic expression profiles of improperly frozen samples. Dr. Fuja stated, "Certain sample types, such as human stem cells and particular tissue biopsy samples, are especially prone to this type of injury. Improvement in the cryopreservation of these samples could have a profound effect on the advancement of scientific discovery and the development of improved therapies. Vivakor's VivaThermic vials, which have extremely broad application in biomedical research and medicine, are a powerful tool to give researchers and clinicians the precision in sample handing and cryopreservation they need."

As recently reported in IBIS World Report, the market for laboratory bioconsumables is $1.9 billion dollars annually. Vivakor estimates that it may capture up to 1.5% of this market by 2011 and industry leading distributors anticipate a 3% annual growth in cryovial sales segment. Vivakor has initially targeted the laboratory and clinical research bioconsumable market, and is currently selling its vials in those markets.

Monday, September 14, 2009 – Vivakor Announces Completion of Independent Testing of its VivaBlend Nutraceutical - Vivakor(TM), Inc. (OTCBB: VIVK) today announced the results of independent, third-party validation testing of its VivaBlend(TM) nutraceutical product. VivaBlend is a powerful extract developed by the scientists at Vivakor and is derived from over 18 highly bioactive fruits, vegetables and legumes. Through a proprietary formulation and extraction process, Vivakor scientists have maximized the health benefits of VivaBlend by creating an optimum blend of super-antioxidants and powerful plant phenolics and flavonoids. Dr. Tannin Fuja, Vivakor's CEO & Chief Scientist, stated, "We are very pleased with the performance of VivaBlend in this independent testing. Many products can claim high levels of antioxidants, but these data confirm that VivaBlend contains high levels of bioactive antioxidants and phytochemicals from a balanced and diverse array of plant sources." The results from this testing provides validation for some of the underlying claims of the VivaBlend product and Dr. Fuja indicated, "These results are expected to give VivaBlend an advantage in the multi-billion dollar antioxidant supplement market." More information about VivaBlend can be found at www.vivakor.com.

Results from third-party testing show that VivaBlend contains an overall high level of antioxidants (97.06 mmol TE/ml). Published data indicate that, while beneficial, hydrophilic antioxidants, which are common in many products currently on the market, do not accumulate in the body and are rapidly excreted in the urine. Lipophilic antioxidants, which are a key component of VivaBlend, penetrate the lipoprotein cell membrane more easily and therefore reach a higher level of bioavailability. The results of the independent testing show that VivaBlend contains very high levels of bioavailable lipophilic antioxidants (5.21 mmol TE/ml). Comparing these results with those reported in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry for the popular antioxidant beverage, Mona Vie, VivaBlend contains 425% of the levels of total antioxidants and 850% of the levels of lipophilic antioxidants found in an equivalent volume of Mona Vie. In addition, results show that VivaBlend is rich in beneficial phytochemicals or plant polyphenols (7.05 mg/ml), which is over 475% of the total phenolics reported in Mona Vie. Data show that different plants have differing amounts and types of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds collectively called "phytochemicals," which may reduce the adverse effects of aging and may lessen the risk of developing a wide variety of chronic diseases (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune-system decline, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cataracts).

Taking a mixture phytochemicals from multiple sources, such as those in VivaBlend, has been suggested to have a synergistic benefit beyond that of a single source or a single food group (e.g. fruits or berries). A balanced extract from a wide variety of phytochemical rich plants, like VivaBlend, with its organic compounds, is needed to work with your body's natural defense system to properly address the risks of exposure to free radicals and prevent the oxidative stress to your immune system and body as a whole. Published studies also suggest that high dietary intake of a variety of fruits and vegetables offers greater health benefits than high intake of antioxidants from a single super-fruit or berry. Scientists are still discovering the benefits of these potent natural chemicals in improved health and wellness.

Thursday, September 3, 2009 – Vivakor Announces Award of Grant from the National Institutes of Health-National Eye Institute - IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vivakor, Inc. (OTCBB: VIVK) announced that the National Institutes of Health-National Eye Institute has awarded a grant to Vivakor, Inc. in Coralville, IA through the Small Business Innovation Research Awards.

Vivakor will use the grant, which was also acknowledged by the Senior United States Senator from Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, to help fund a vision research project entitled, "Development of a digital photo-refractor (DPR) to detect amblyogenic risk factors." The Small Business Innovation Research Awards - Phase I help establish the technical merit and feasibility of proposed research and development efforts that may ultimately lead to a commercial product or service.

Vivakor's VivaSight is a digital photo-refractor device that will modernize screening of children for ocular disorders. This type of screening is increasingly being required by State governments in the kindergarten population. In addition, the VivaSight device is in the final stages of a clinical validation study being conducted at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in the prestigious and top-ranking Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Vivakor's focus on the development of a vision screener for children, at a time when early detection is critical, complements the array of diagnostic, surgical, pharmaceutical and general consumer products being developed by larger companies such as Alcon (ACL), Allergan (AGN, Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) and Abbott Medical Optics, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott (ABT), that have become well-established in the eye care products for children. Like many of these companies which are developing outreach programs to promote vision care in third world countries, Vivakor's VivaSight technology will be easily integrated into these outreach programs in developing countries. Vivakor believes that the DPR eye screening market potential will be $50,000,000 per year.

Data from the National Eye Institute (NEI) states that 2.3 million children have undiagnosed eye disorders that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye", is the leading cause of monocular vision loss in the 20+ age range. It causes more vision loss than diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. "Early detection of these conditions is critical in developing treatment regimens and strategies for these children in order to prevent monocular blindness and mitigate other potentially long term adverse conditions" said Vivakor CEO, Dr. Tannin Fuja, PhD. Dr. Fuja continues, "Vivakor is proud of its achievements in this area and we are honored to receive this grant to assist us in furthering our development of this critically necessary tool."

Vision Screening is widely regarded as the future of vision healthcare in the United States. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians endorse routine vision screening, beginning in early childhood. Preschool vision screening is especially important because it allow for the early detection and treatment of amblyopia. Also, the American academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) backs mandatory preschool vision screening in every state.

The DPR project described herein was supported by Award Number R4EY019198 from the National Eye Institute. The content of the news release is solely the responsibility of Vivakor, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Eye Institute or the National Institutes of Health.

Management Team

Dr. Tannin Fuja, PhD - Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer - Prior to joining our company, Dr. Fuja headed the Molecular and Cell Biology Research Group at the National Center for Voice and Speech, and was a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Dermacia, Inc.  Dr. Fuja has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Iowa and in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology in the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa.  Dr. Fuja is a Member of the UI Center on Aging and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa.  Dr. Fuja is a former member of The International Society for Stem Cell Research and received his Bachelors of Science degree from Brigham Young University, a certificate in Human Subject Research Ethics from the University of Washington (Seattle) and his Doctorate in Biological Sciences in the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology from the University of California, Irvine.

Matthew Nicosia Executive Chairman - Matthew Nicosia has served as a director of our Company since November, 2006.  From 2000 to 2007, prior to joining the Company as Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Nicosia was the founder and Chief Executive Officer and served as a director of Dermacia, Inc. While founding Dermacia, Inc., in 2002, Mr. Nicosia co-founded Quantum Sphere, Inc. and served as a director till 2004.  Mr. Nicosia also currently sits on the Board of Directors and is a principal of Integrity, Equity, and is a director of several private companies. Mr. Nicosia received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University and an MBA degree from Pepperdine University.

Ed Corrente - Chief Financial Officer - Ed Corrente began as a consultant to Vivakor in March 2008 and became CFO in September 2008.  With over 24 years of finance and accounting experience, Mr. Corrente oversees the financial operations, accounting and reporting; risk management; human resource and administrative functions.  Before joining Vivakor, Mr. Corrente was CFO / VP Finance of various companies including Dermacia, National Genecular Institute, Thuris Corporation, Olas Pharmaceuticals and Accenx Technologies.   He was also previously a senior manager with Ernst & Young LLP.  Mr. Corrente is a California CPA and he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto, Canada.

Green Baron Conclusion

Vivakor is a rare find; a biotechnology company with a diversified product mix and a chance for healthy revenues in the near term.  VivaThermic products and VivaBlend have huge sales potential that should fuel long-term products and vision.  Many collaborations, licenses, and partnerships could spring from these divisions at any time.

The Company has products or products in development that represent ten categories and market opportunities in the billions.  The management at Vivakor is ambitious, yet practical.  We have met Executive Chairman Matt Nicosia and he is everything you would want a leader to be.  We believe he will represent shareholder interests fairly, and will help manage the company successfully.

Above it all, Vivakor is the kind of stock you love to own because they seek to improve our quality of life and extend the life we have.  Through the Company’s multiple breakthrough technologies and products, we expect Vivakor to be a marquee biotech name of the future.  Although we feel VIVK will be a great stock to trade, we truly believe this is one you should buy and put away.  This is the kind of stock we think that institutions will be drawn to at some point in the future and at much higher prices.  At this price, we believe our members should be grabbing as much as possible.

Company Contact:

Vivakor, Inc.

Matt Nicosia

Executive Chairman

(319)652-2172

mnicosia@vivakor.com