It was only a few weeks ago that I reported that the federal government would very soon be taking more legal action against purveyors of dubious, potentially illegal stem cell treatments that might even be called a stem cell scam.
Here’s the first of what is likely to be many more actions.
Many media outlets are reporting that a Nevada doctor Ralph Conti has been indicted in a Las Vegas Court for an alleged fake stem cell scam.
Reportedly, more than 100 patients received transplants of placental tissue with the cost being $2,500 a pop.
Apparently the people involved were telling patients that the treatments would help their various medical conditions because of stem cells.
The indictment reportedly says in part:
“By misrepresenting his credentials, the nature of his treatment, the source of his ‘stem cells,’ and the adverse effects suffered by previous patients, defendant Sapse convinced chronically ill patients to undergo experimental implant procedures, many of which were performed by Conti”
The federal charges could land the two men involved in prison for decades and they could face penalties in the millions of dollars.
Expect more actions by the feds in the coming weeks and months!
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Do we know who sold him the placentas? Were the placentas obtained with proper patient consent, and what are the regulations governing their sale? Inquiring minds want to know…
Dr. Verter,
These are excellent questions.
We might get more information on this case as it proceeds, but it could take a long time.
Beyond our concerns about the well being of the patients involved, of course one huge problem about cases like these is they have the potential to de-legitimize the stem cell field more generally.