89.  Magnetic Therapeutic Technologies, Inc., 982-3150

90.  Pain Stops Here!, Inc., File No. 982-3175

91.  Melinda R. Sneed and John L. Sneed d/b/a Arthritis Pain Care Ctr, File No. 982-3182

92.  Body Systems Technology, Inc., File No. 982-3177

Respondents: Magnetic Therapeutic Technologies, Inc. and Jim B. Richardson; Pain Stops Here! Inc. and Sande R. Caplin; Melinda R. Sneed and John L. Sneed d/b/a Arthritis Pain Care Center; Body Systems Technology, Inc., William E. Chace, and James D. Davis.

Type:  Deceptive and Unsubstantiated Health Claims

The Commission announced four cases that resulted from the agency's previous "Health Claims Surf Days" – law enforcement surveillance sweeps in 1997 and 1998 by officials in over 25 countries. The cases involved settlements with companies and individuals that allegedly used the Internet to make deceptive and unsubstantiated health claims concerning "miracle cures" for serious illnesses -- including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and liver disease.

John Sneed and Melinda Sneed d/b/a Arthritis Pain Care Center (APCC) marketed CMO, a fatty acid from beef tallow, and allegedly claimed that it could cure most forms of arthritis and treat numerous other diseases. The FTC charged that APCC’s efficacy claims were unsubstantiated and that its claims about NIH and other scientific studies were false. The settlement prohibits APCC from making unsubstantiated claims for any food, drug, dietary supplement or program.

Body Systems Technology, Inc. (BST) allegedly sold shark cartilage capsules as well as capsules and liquid containing a Peruvian plant derivative called Cat's Claw. The allegedly promoted these products as scientifically-proven treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and arthritis. The FTC charged that BST’s claims were unsubstantiated. The consent order prohibits BST from making unsubstantiated health claims for any food, drug, dietary supplement or program. Also, the order requires BST to identify and make refunds to purchasers of their products.

All four proposed settlements were announced on June 24, 1999. After a public comment period, the Commission gave final approval to these settlements on Sept. 20, 1999.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1999/9906/opcureall.htm (press release - proposed consents)