FDA Takes Action Against 14 Companies Selling Illegal Cancer Treatments

FDA posted warning letters to 14 US-based companies yesterday, addressing the illegal selling over 65 products that falsely claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure cancer. These products are contained on websites and social media, and are marketed and sold without FDA approval.

The FDA requested responses from each company to affirm how each will correct the violations. Failure to correct the violations in a timely manner may result in legal action, including product seizure, injunction, and/or criminal prosecution.

The illegally sold products cited in the warning letters posted include a variety of product types, such as pills, topical creams, ointments, oils, drops, syrups, teas, and diagnostics (such as thermography devices). They include products marketed for use by humans or pets that make illegal, unproven claims regarding preventing, reversing, or curing cancer; killing/inhibiting cancer cells or tumors; or other similar anti-cancer claims.

The FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse reactions associated with these or similar products to the agency’s MedWatch program.