143

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FTC Action Summaries

SmartScience

143. In the Matter of SmartScience Laboratories, Inc. File No. 992 3274 (August 2000)

Respondents: SmartScience Laboratories, Inc. and Gene C. Weitz

Type: Unsubstantiated Health Product Claims

The FTC alleged that SmartScience Laboratories and Weitz made unsubstantiated claims, through major newspapers and magazines and their Web site at www.jointflex.com, that their JointFlex product provided more pain relief than other over-the-counter pain creams; that its glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate contributed to pain relief when applied topically; and that testimonials from consumers appearing in their ads represented the typical or ordinary experiences of consumers who use the product. The FTC also alleged that respondents’ ads falsely portrayed the results of a consumer study and the experiences of two consumers who provided testimonials.

The FTC obtained a consent agreement that prohibits SmartScience and Weitz from making unsubstantiated claims about the efficacy of JointFlex or any drug or dietary supplement in reducing, relieving or eliminating pain, or about the health benefits, performance, safety or efficacy of a product The settlement also bars misrepresentations about test results, studies, surveys and research with respect to any product and requires that testimonials be truthful and not deceptive.

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2000/08/smartscience.htm (press release - complaint and consent)

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2000/11/fyi0057.htm (press release finalizing settlement)

This page was last modified on July 22, 2007.

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