Pharmacy Daily | Cancer cure claims raise TGA’s ire

A MELBOURNE-BASED company has been fined $39,960 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) over alleged unlawful advertising, including claims that hydrogen peroxide could be used as a cancer treatment.

The TGA issued three infringement notices to Analytical Products & Services Pty Ltd (ANPROS) in relation to breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, yesterday.

"ANPROS allegedly advertised, on the company's website, a medicine containing hydrogen peroxide for internal therapeutic use that at the time of advertising was not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)," the TGA reported.

"The TGA also alleges that ANPROS referred to a prohibited representation that suggested hydrogen peroxide could be administered by mouth or injected as a treatment for cancer.

"The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code specifies that representations relating to the treatment, cure, prevention or diagnosis (including screening) of neoplastic diseases, including all types of cancer, are prohibited representations.

"ANPROS allegedly also implied, on the company's website, that hydrogen peroxide is a treatment for emphysema. Any claims or references to treating a serious form of a disease, condition, ailment or defect are restricted representations."

Four infringement notices with totalling $10,656 were issued to a man from Sydney in relation to unlawful advertising of hydrogen peroxide and Condy's crystals (potassium permanganate).

The TGA said the man allegedly advertised the products for internal use on his eBay store, claiming hydrogen peroxide could be used to treat cancer and COVID-19.

Sydney's Cat Media Pty Ltd received a $13,320 fine for allegedly advertising on its 'FatBlaster' website a complementary medicine called, FatBlaster Cider Vinegar and Garcinia Max, which was not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

A further two infringement notices were issued by the TGA yesterday in relation to alleged unlawful importation of facemasks in relation to COVID-19, with a Sydney man receiving a $2.664 fine, and Sydney-based business, Natfara Australia Pty Ltd being fined $13,320.