Regulation

FDA warns companies claiming products treat or cure cancer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Wednesday that it sent warning letters to four companies for illegally selling products online they claim prevent, diagnose, treat or cure cancer.

Greenroads Health, Natural Alchemist, That’s Natural! Marketing and Consulting, and Stanley Brothers Social Enterprise LLC are accused of illegally selling products made with cannabidiol, a component of the marijuana plant that isn’t FDA-approved, and making unsubstantiated claims about their effectiveness.

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FDA said some of the companies claimed their products combat tumors or kill cancer cells, but the agency said it has not yet reviewed their effectiveness, proper dosage or side effects.

“We have an obligation to provide caregivers and patients with the confidence that drugs making cancer treatment claims have been carefully evaluated for safety, efficacy, and quality, and are monitored by the FDA once they’re on the market,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement.

“We recognize that there’s interest in developing therapies from marijuana and its components, but the safest way for this to occur is through the drug approval process — not through unsubstantiated claims made on a website.”