WASHINGTON, D.C. — A California stem cell therapy clinic, which said it could treat serious diseases without any scientific evidence, has settled charges by the federal government.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said Dr. Bryn Jarald Henderson, who owns Regenerative Medical Group and Telehealth Medical Group, deceptively advertised its "amniotic stem cell therapy" as being able to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, autism, macular degeneration, cerebal palsy and multiple sclerosis as well as heart attacks.
According to the FTC, Henderson earned $3.31 million by offering stem cell therapy injections for $9,500 to $15,000 to patients. So called "booster" treatments cost patients between $5,000 and $8,000, the FTC said.
“Clinics must have solid evidence to back up their claims before advertising that stem cell therapy can treat serious medical issues, particularly those affecting children and older adults,” FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection director Andrew Smith said in a statement.
The settlement includes prohibiting the defendants from future health claims without reliable scientific evidence and imposes a partially suspended $3.31 million judgement, the FTC said.