The FDA recently took action against several companies which it considered were making fraudulent claims related to treating or preventing avian flu. I have not examined any of the products involved so I can’t say whether or not the FDA’s actions are sound.
However what I can observe is that it is very convenient for the drug companies marketing billions of dollars worth of FDA approved products related to avian flu. How they must love their FDA staff, oh sorry, the FDA staff for eliminating competition.
Now if I seem a little sceptical here just bear with me for a few moments. First, let’s remember that avian flu is a disease that affects some birds and is not a human influenza at all. Use of the term "avian flu" in most cases is either an innocent expression of ignorance or a calculated attempt to manipulate.
The US government has already spent a fortune on drugs under the guise of dealing with avian flu knowing that the drugs purchased have associated risks yet actually offer zero benefit in dealing with avian flu. Yes, read that again and let it sink in. What you are witnessing is another example of profiteering by what I term hysteria-marketing. If you want to follow at least some of the money see my earlier articles here or here.
In the meantime, the FDA plays it’s ineffectual role, offering the all important appearance of being useful. At least it provides that much for the government of the day. So this is what they said recently.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters recently to nine companies marketing bogus flu products behind claims that their products could be effective against preventing the avian flu or other forms of influenza. FDA is not aware of any scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety or effectiveness of these products for treating or preventing avian flu and the agency is concerned that the use of these products could harm consumers or interfere with conventional treatments.
"There are initiatives in place to deter counterfeiters and those who sell fraudulent or phony products to prevent or treat avian flu," said Andrew von Eschenbach, MD, Acting FDA Commissioner. "The use of unproven flu cures and treatments increases the risk of catching and spreading the flu rather than lessening it because people assume they are protected and safe and they aren’t. I consider it a public health hazard when people are lured into using bogus treatments based on deceptive or fraudulent medical claims."
FDA issued Warning Letters to nine firms marketing products making unproven claims that they treat or prevent avian flu or other forms of influenza. Eight of the products purported to be dietary supplements. Examples of the unproven claims cited in the Warning Letters include: "prevents avian flu," "a natural virus shield," "kills the virus," and "treats the avian flu." These alternative therapies are promoted as "natural" or "safer" treatments that can be used in place of an approved treatment or preventative medical product.
In the Warning Letters, FDA advises the firms that it considers their products to be drugs because they claim to treat or prevent disease. The Warning Letters further state that FDA considers these products to be "new drugs" that require FDA approval before marketing. The letters also note that the claims regarding avian flu are false and misleading because there is no scientific basis for concluding that the products are effective to treat or prevent avian flu. The companies have 15 days to respond to FDA.
FDA warning letters were sent to the following:
- Sacred Mountain Management Inc.
- BODeSTORE.com
- Melvin Williams
- Iceland Health Inc.
- PolyCil Health Inc.
- PRB Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Chozyn, LLC
- Vitacost.com
- Healthworks 2000
Items such as the above are likely to continue as a way of supporting the ongoing marketing efforts of Big Pharma. Ongoing bird flu hype or even just an occasional follow-up reminder or scare will do wonders for the bottom line of many stock holders. You will find some of them behind the scenes or "hiding" openly in public office where no one suspects what they are really doing.
For information on helping prevent flu generally, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm. However, note that I do not endorse the suggested vaccination practices.
