FTC Files Complaint Against Makers of Gero Vita, Theraceuticals

WASHINGTON--As part of Operation Cure.All, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint in federal district court against A. Glenn Braswell and four of his corporations, which all market health-related products. The complaint alleges five dietary supplements under the Gero Vita and Theraceuticals brands carried claims that were false and unsubstantiated. The complaint, which also names corporate officer Ron Tepper as a defendant, alleges the companies have had approximately $800 million in sales since 1998.

FTC is seeking permanent injunctive relief, consumer redress and a permanent ban against Braswell conducting any business that advertises or sells health-related products. The four companies in question are JOL Management Co., G.B. Data Systems Inc., Gero Vita International Inc. and Theraceuticals Inc.

In particular, the agency alleges Braswell and other named defendants marketed dietary supplements via false and unsubstantiated claims in multi-page direct mail advertisements promoting products as "scientific breakthroughs" curing everything from diabetes to erectile dysfunction. The five products named in the complaint are Lung Support Formula, Antibetic Pancreas Tonic, Theraceuticals GH3 Romanian Youth Formula, Chitoplex and Testerex.

In addition, the complaint reported the defendants used deceptive advertising formats and suspect expert endorsements, in addition to fictional awards, to market products. Specifically, the complaint alleges the defendants portrayed their New Life Nutrition Magazine as an independent health magazine when it was, in fact, company-operated. The defendants also used Dr. Ronald Lawrence to endorse the products after he conducted an "independent, objective evaluation of the products;" however, Lawrence was a paid endorser and a member of the G.B. Data Systems' board of directors. The defendants also claimed that an independent organization, the Council on Natural Nutrition, conferred "Golden Nutrition Awards" on various products. However, FTC reported the council was established by the defendants.

According to FTC, Braswell is already working under a 1983 federal court settlement resolving charges that he and several of his corporations violated the FTC Act and FTC Mail Order Rule in connection with the advertising and sale of health-related products.