In another case, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it is sending checks totaling more than $76,000 to consumers who bought Isoprex, a purported “miracle” pain supplement marketed to older Americans nationwide.

According to the FTC’s April 2020 complaint, Renaissance Health Publishing, LLC, and its owner, James DiGeorgia, advertised and sold Isoprex using both direct mail brochures and websites. Isoprex is a pill consisting primarily of a combination of various herbs and spices, which the defendants claimed could provide effective relief for older adults suffering from muscle and joint pain, headaches, arthritis, joint inflammation, and a range of other ailments.

The FTC alleged that Renaissance falsely claimed to have tests and studies to support its product claims. It also failed to disclose that the endorsers appearing in its Isoprex ads either were compensated for their testimonials or were company employees.

The court order settling the FTC’s complaint prohibits the defendants from making health claims unless they are true and supported by reliable tests or studies. The order also requires Renaissance to pay money to the FTC to provide the refunds.