Axis Labs Gets Probation, Fines in Steroid Case

DENVERAxis Labs LLC was sentenced to a one-year probation, fined $50,000 and ordered to forfeit $107,000 in connection to a mail fraud case. Federal prosecutors accused the company of distributing anabolic steroids masquerading as a weight-loss supplement.

The Denver Business Journal  reported U.S. District Judge Wiley Daniel sentenced the company on Jan. 18 after it pled guilty to the single count on Oct. 13, 2011. Axis Labs faced a fine of up to $500,000.

In September 2011, FDA said Axis was charged with one count of mail fraud in connection to the illegal distribution of a product called Monster Caps," which contained synthetic anabolic steroids. FDA said Axis Labs engaged in the business of manufacturing, labeling, shipping and selling Monster Caps to enable weight loss and increase muscle mass. The agency said the product falsely purported to be a dietary supplement and therefore could be distributed and dispensed without prior approval from FDA. 

However, Monster Caps contained anabolic steroids, or similar synthetic compounds, according to FDA tests.  Because Axis Labs intended these products to affect the structure and function of the human body, they were considered drugs regulated by United States Code. 

Between June 2008 and May 2009, Axis Labs sold Monster Caps" on the internet, to customers throughout the United States.  The company distributed the product by delivering it, or causing it to be delivered to customers via the United States Mail or UPS.

Earlier this week, DCD LLC and R&D Holdings were also fined for selling adulterated supplements that contained anabolic steroids.