The Federal Trade Commission is renewing efforts to track down colloidal silver supplements sold online under a federal and state multi-agency campaign against fraudulent products indicated for anthrax.

The ongoing operation, involving FTC, FDA and attorneys general from roughly 30 states, is targeting products falsely indicated for anthrax treatment, prevention or detection. Potential categories include dietary supplements, devices, test kits and water or air treatments, FTC said.

Several marketers of supplements containing colloidal silver, a mineral often promoted as a natural alternative to antibiotics, have been subject to enforcement actions from both FDA and FTC over the last year.

In June, ForMor and Robert and Lisa Spencer, doing business as Aaron Co., settled FTC charges involving colloidal silver products claiming to "kill over 650 disease-causing organisms in the body" (¹ Also see "HIV/AIDS, Cancer Cure Supplement Claims Targeted In Six FTC Actions" - Pink Sheet, 18 June, 2001., p. 12).

In addition, colloidal silver supplements have been targeted in at least 16 "cyber" letters issued by FDA in 2001 under the "Operation Cure.All" program. FDA deemed internal and topical OTC drugs containing colloidal silver ingredients not generally recognized as safe and effective in a June 1999 final rule (² Also see "Colloidal Silver Ingredients Not Safe, Effective In OTCs - FDA Final Rule" - Pink Sheet, 23 August, 1999., p. 5).

FTC suspects that despite the agencies' recent regulatory actions, colloidal silver supplements will reappear on the Web in light of the ongoing anthrax scare and the substance's purported effect against the bacterium.

In fact, a brief Internet search reveals several sites currently marketing colloidal silver for internal use. For example, HealingWithNutrition.com is selling Futurebiotics Advanced Colloidal Silver for $24.99 per 4 oz. bottle. Labeled as a "dietary supplement for adults," the product purports to contain the "best available ultra-high purity elemental silver."

The Web site lists Anthrax Bacilli as one of a "collection of conditions and pathogens that were being successfully treated using colloidal silver before 1938," the year the FD&C Act was passed.

However, various trade groups swiftly have expressed their opposition to supplements positioned as anthrax remedies. The National Nutritional Foods Association and American Herbal Products Association both issued alerts Oct. 30.

Along with four other complementary and alternative medicine groups, AHPA advised CAM stakeholders to recommend "standard medical treatment" to patients who may have contracted anthrax. "There are not...any defined natural healing protocols for the treatment of any form of anthrax infection," the groups stressed.

NNFA also urged members to refuse to stock or promote nutritionals claiming to cure anthrax. "Let's be very clear, no dietary supplement or other natural product has been approved for the treatment of anthrax," Exec Director & CEO David Seckman said. "Even the most vague intimation that a product or combination of products will ward off or cure anthrax infection will be widely viewed as preying on the fears of a frightened public."

The FDA, FTC and state initiative began roughly two weeks ago. Officials are scanning the Internet in ways similar to consumers, using keyword searches on search engines. The agencies also are following reports of misleading products from the public and media.

The regulators plan to "move quickly" when a fraudulent product is found. FTC will send warning letters in less threatening cases, advising the firm that more evidence is needed to support a label claim. If the threat is more imminent, a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order might be issued.

Web sites selling unapproved Rx antibiotic ciprofloxacin from foreign countries also are being targeted. In a Nov. 1 ³ FDA Talk Paper, the agency says it has issued "cyber" letters to 11 Internet vendors. Separately, a same-day ⁴ FTC consumer alert provided advice on purchasing Bayer's Cipro or other drugs over the Web.

OTC anthrax-specific test kits also could play a prominent role in the investigation. Pembroke Pines, Fla.-based Professional Labs announced Oct. 31 its plans to introduce a home test designed to screen for environmental exposure.

Comprising a petri dish with an anthrax-specific medium, the kit allows consumers to swab substances from counter surfaces, mail and water, as well as heat, ventilation and air-conditioner units. In two days, a positive result will yield visible circular colonies, the company said.

The product has yet to be waived under FDA's Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments program, but Pro-Lab expects to sell the kit by the end of November.

FDA, FTC, 30 State AGs Join Forces To Combat Fraudulent Anthrax Products

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