FDA warns vs. stem cell product

Philippine health authorities warned the public against a stem cell health product that is being marketed online.

The Food and Drug Administration issued Advisory 2014-041 dated May 29, where it scored the "deceptive" online sale and marketing of "Inner Power Stem Cell Booster."

"The product INNER POWER STEM CELLS BOOSTER, promoted and sold on-line, is not registered with FDA as a drug product, neither as a food supplement nor as human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps)," FDA head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said.

He added all FDA inspectors have orders to seize the products found being sold or offered for sale in outlets.

According to Hartigan-Go, a monitoring of the olx.ph site showed the marketing claimed the product "helps in stem cells production by the process of mitosis that will aid in platelet, red and white blood cells reproduction."

But Hartigan-Go said there is no scientific or clinical study that would back up such health and therapeutic claims.

"All consumers are advised to be more vigilant and critical about on-line and digital advertisements so as not to fall prey to the marketing schemes of internet fraudsters," he said.

He said the public may email the FDA at info@fda.gov.ph for more information, and report unregistered health products or adverse reactions at report@fda.gov.ph. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News