FDA Identifies Unlawful Cancer Claims on Facebook

WASHINGTONFacebook is not beyond the reach of FDA investigators who remain concerned about unlawful marketing of products that make claims of treating diseases such as cancer.

In a warning letter sent to AMARC Enterprises, Inc., a dietary supplement company, the agency cited a Facebook post from a customer who credited the Poly-MVA product for allowing the person "to keep cancer at bay without the use of chemo and radiation".

FDA cited a number of cancer claims through testimonials on AMARC Enterprises' websites and contained within an information packet. Many testimonials touted the benefits of Poly-MVA in helping with cancer treatment.

Stated one testimonial quoted by FDA: "I received the news of my recurrent brain tumor with dread and shock. My father sent me my first bottle of Poly-MVA. I took it immediately along with the conventional treatments. Since then, I have had clean MRI scans and I consider Poly-MVA to be the cornerstone of my recovery."

In the Dec. 11, 2012, letter, FDA maintained the supplements, including AMARC Enterprises' pet product, are promoted for conditions that render them new drugs in violation of federal law.

Albert Sanchez, the CEO of AMARC Enterprises, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment that was submitted through the company's website.

FDA often posts warning letters on its website months after they are sent to companies.

The Facebook references underscore that FDA is scouring social networks for illegal marketing claims. For instance, in a warning letter to Oasis Consumer Healthcare LLC, FDA cited statements not only on its website but also information on its Facebook account and claims on its Twitter page.