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FTC issues refunds in case of pain relief supplement
The case was brought against the company Renaissance Health Publishing, LLC, which sells dietary supplements under the brand name Renown Health Products. FTC announced it would issue refund checks for a total of $76,000 to consumers who bought bottles of a supplement branded as Isoprex, which FTC said was fraudulently marketed to relieve pain.
The refunds follow on a court order issued in April 2020. FTC had argued that the company and its principal James Digeorgia, had falsely claimed to have tests and studies to back up the claims for the product. In addition to the supplement company, DiGeorgia also operates a website called Wall Street Rebel and associated websites where he advises subscribers on gold and energy options trading.
In the court order FTC reiterates its stance that studies backing health claims must be of the randomized, placebo controlled variety. In addition, such studies must be conducted by credible, qualified personnel. The court order entered a $3.9 million deferred judgement against Digeorgia and his company, which hinged upon his providing funds to FTC to cover the refunds, which were mailed out as individual $15.97 checks.
Isoprex is a supplement that contains a so-called ‘Isoprex proprietary blend’ which consists of skullcap, cat’s claw, feverfew and hops extracts as well as other ingredients. The supplement is still for sale in what is billed as an ‘improved’ version that contains turmeric root extract, NEM eggshell membrane, calcium and Vitamin D. The product now makes joint comfort claims which appear to be based on research done on the eggshell membrane ingredient by the supplier.
