HBW Market News: FTC Targets Bone Health Claims, Puration Offers To Buy Hemp4mula, More

The US Federal Trade Commission alleges two firms marketing dietary supplement made claims their products containing active ingredient Cyplexinol could grow bone and cartilage to relieve joint pain. In an 11 February release, the FTC says it settled with one of the companies, Excellent Marketing Results Inc. (EMR) of Clearwater, FL, about its StimTein product advertised through infomercials and online.

The FTC’s proposed order imposes a $3.6m judgment against the firm and its president, Michael McGahee, though the judgement will be partially suspected upon payment of $145,000 the FTC may use to refund consumers. The commission is proceeding with litigation against the other firm, ZyCal Bioceuticals Inc., of Tom’s River, NJ, and its president James Scaffidi, about ad claims for its Ostinol product. A single complaint filed 10 February naming both firms alleged ZyCal supplied EMR with Cyplexinol and gave the firm product information, clinical studies and other promotional materials about the active ingredient’s supposed health benefits. Claims made by both firms are false and not supported by scientific evidence, the commission had stated, adding both firms also used deceptive testimonials. The commission votes approving