Some hawking stem cells say they can treat almost anything. They can't
How much did individuals pay for the stem cell treatments, and what total revenue did these payments amount to according to the prosecutors?
According to the prosecutors, more than 250 people signed up for the stem cell treatments, paying between $3,200 to $20,000 each. These payments amounted to a total revenue of $1.5 million.
What are the approved uses of stem cell therapies by the FDA, and for what conditions are they still considered experimental?
The FDA has approved stem cell therapies for certain forms of blood cancer and immune system disorders4. Specifically, stem cell therapy is approved for use in the treatment of blood-forming cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and certain types of inherited metabolic and immune system disorders4.
Stem cell therapies are still considered experimental for most other conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, and ocular diseases. While there are ongoing clinical trials investigating the use of stem cells in these areas, the FDA has not yet approved any stem cell therapies for these conditions. It is important to note that any stem cell therapy offered outside of a clinical trial and not approved by the FDA is considered illegal and potentially unsafe.
What specific allegations did Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird make against the Minnesota man and his Florida business partner in the lawsuit regarding the stem cell treatments?
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued a Minnesota man, Rylee Meek, and his Florida business partner, Scott Thomas, alleging that they misled and deceived consumers by selling fraudulent stem cell treatments12. The lawsuit claims that the defendants, Biologics Health LLC and Summit Partners Group LLC, falsely advertised stem cell therapy and its effectiveness, targeting over 250 Iowans, many of them elderly12. The average Iowan paid around $9,000 for the service, totaling more than $1 million. The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants violated the Consumer Fraud Act and regulations involving door-to-door sale transactions.