FDA, FTC Warn Public of Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The agencies are also advising operators of offending web sites that they must take prompt action to correct and/or remove promotions of these fraudulent products or face enforcement action.

“Consumers who purchase products to treat the novel 2009 H1N1 virus that are not approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of influenza risk their health and the health of their families,” said Michael Chappell, acting FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. “In conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission, the FDA has developed an aggressive strategy to identify, investigate, and take regulatory or criminal action against individuals or businesses that wrongfully promote purported 2009 H1N1 influenza products in an attempt to take advantage of the current flu public health emergency.”

Products that are offered for sale to the public with claims to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, or cure infections caused by the H1N1 influenza virus that have not been proven to be safe and effective for these uses must be carefully evaluated. Many of these deceptive products are being sold over the Internet via illegitimate web sites. The operators of these web sites take advantage of the public’s concerns about H1N1 influenza and their desire to protect themselves and their families. These fraudulent products come in all varieties and could include dietary supplements or other food products, or products purporting to be drugs, devices or vaccines. Such fraudulent products will not prevent the transmission of the virus or offer effective treatments against infections caused by the H1N1 influenza virus.

“The last thing any consumer needs right now is to be conned by someone selling fraudulent flu remedies,” said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. “The FTC will act swiftly against companies that resort to deceptive advertising.”

Consumers are urged to contact their health care providers or legitimate medical supply services if they have questions or concerns about medical products or personal protective equipment. Consumers are also urged to visit the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web sites for more information about this emergency, and to determine which products the FDA has approved, cleared or authorized for use to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate or cure infections caused by H1N1 influenza virus.

Consumers should also visit FDA's web site for tips about how to protect themselves when buying medicines online: http://www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide/

The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir). Tamiflu and Relenza, in addition to their approved labeling, have Emergency Use Authorizations that describe specific authorized uses during this public health emergency.

For more information about FDA-approved antiviral drugs for influenza, see http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antivirals/influenza/default.htm.

For more information on CDC recommendations regarding use of antiviral drugs against the current novel 2009 H1N1 influenza strain, see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_001.

For more information about personal protective equipment see http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ppe/.

At present, there are no licensed vaccines approved for this new H1N1 influenza virus.

Consumers are urged to report any suspected fraudulent products or criminal activity relating to FDA regulated products associated with H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu), including the names of web sites that may be offering these products for sale, to the FDA by visiting: http://www.fda.gov/oci/flucontact.html .

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B98.5FM's 'Tickled Pink' Event to Benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate

PRNewswire/ -- Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but B98.5FM wants its listeners to get "Tickled Pink" about attending an evening of laughs and entertainment while supporting a worthy cause. Building on a successful launch event, B98.5FM today announced its second annual "Tickled Pink" fundraising affair for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate will take place on October 18th.

Held at the Cobb Galleria Center, the festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction and will be followed by dinner and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $100 and corporate tables (10 seats) can be purchased for $950.

Attendees will be greeted by familiar voices as B98.5FM's Steve McCoy, Jordan Graye and Kelly McCoy host the event. Entertainment will be provided by comedian Elayne Boosler -- known for opening new doors to women in comedy. Boosler was the first female to get her own comedy special on cable when Showtime aired "Party of One." To date, she has headlined seven cable specials, as well as written, directed, and acted in two half-hour movies: "Comedy From Here" and "The Call."

"Breast cancer is an illness that has touched nearly every American in some way," said David Meszaros, vice president and general manager of B98.5FM and 97.1 The River. "B98.5FM is committed to providing strong community support, and we are thrilled to team up with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate. Through comedy, this event's contributions will go toward finding a cure."

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Georgia, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate estimates that 4,520 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Georgia in 2008.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate raises funds to enable women to detect and survive breast cancer. Since its inception Komen Atlanta has raised more than $20 million for the fight against breast cancer. Seventy-five percent of all funds raised by the Affiliate stays in Atlanta to fund breast health programs for women who would not otherwise have access to screening and treatment. Twenty-five percent of funds raised supports the national Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program.

WellStar Health Systems, Kroger and Comcast are standing up with B98.5FM to support this evening of entertainment and celebration. For information regarding donations, silent auction participation and sponsorship information, please contact Andrew Rudd at Andrew.rudd@coxradio.com. Overall event information can be obtained by visiting www.b985.com.