FDA targets marketer that claims its products treat swine flu

ROCKVILLE, Md. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday targeted ReBuilder Medical Technologies as a renegade marketer pitching its $199 "SilverCure Swine Flu Protection Pack," that includes shampoo, lotion, conditioner and soap that supposedly deposit traces of silver according to published reports, as a product indicated for the prevention or treatment of the new H1N1 influenza virus known as the “swine flu.”

“Once included, all websites and products will remain listed,” the FDA stated. “After FDA has verified that the products or the objectionable claims related to the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus have been removed from the web site, this information will be added to the list.”

ReBuilder Medical is attempting to capitalize on its increased web traffic with a message for browsers: “Note: Sorry, ReBuilder Medical does not sell flu products. Reporter's mistake. Not one of the “20 sites”, but as long as you are here, please read.” In its place, ReBuilder is pitching its ReBuilder Electronic Neuromuscular Stimulator, a device that delivers small electrical shocks for pain relief.

However, a Google search for “SilverCure swine flu,” generates the URL http://www.rebuildermedical.com/outbreak/, which at one time contained the following copy: “One oz. jar of SilverCure to swab into your nose with a fresh Q-tip to coat ... Because the Swine flu virus is airborne, it may settle on your hair and then ....”

That site now features the message: “This market test has voluntarily ended.”