Fourteen companies warned by FDA for illegal cancer drugs

The FDA has sent warning letters to 14 US based companies that have been selling over 65 treatments which fraudulently claim to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer. These products were marketed and sold more commonly on websites and social media platforms without FDA approval.

Selling and marketing products claiming to prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure diseases without demonstrating safety and efficacy to the FDA first is a violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The products that have been cited in the FDA’s warning letters include pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas and diagnostics. They were marketed for use by humans and animals and made illegal, unproven anti-cancer claims.

Responses from the 14 companies stating how these violations will be corrected have been requested by the FDA. If any of the violations are not corrected promptly then legal action may be pursued, including product seizure, injunction and/or criminal prosecution.

“Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment,” said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. “We encourage people to remain vigilant whether online or in a store, and avoid purchasing products marketed to treat cancer without any proof they will work. Patients should consult a healthcare professional about proper prevention diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

This news comes after the recent update on the case of UK pharmaceutical boss, Narinder Kaulder, who is currently fighting US extradition over a large-scale plot to smuggle fake cancer drug Altuzan to US doctors. In Kaulder’s case, his UK company River East Supplies allegedly sold cheap counterfeit drugs on behalf of CanadaDrugs, a discount online pharmacy. During the scam, US customs forms were falsified so that drugs, which are not FDA-approved, could be shipped into the country and patients receiving these therapies were unaware they were unapproved. This case is ongoing and successful prosecution could incur a maximum sentence of 30 years.

The FDA, which is responsible for the safety and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products, encourages healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions to its MedWatch programme.