On February 11, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it sued two companies to stop them from continuing to make false claims about their bone and joint health products, Ostinol (ZyCal Bioceuticals) and StimTein (Excellent Marketing Results, Inc. (EMR)). EMR has agreed to settle the FTC charges and will pay $145,000, which may be used to refund customers. The FTC is proceeding with litigation against ZyCal and its president, James Scaffidi.

According to the FTC, the pills sold by both EMR and Zycal use the same active ingredient, Cyplexinol, and both companies claimed that their pills grow bone and cartilage, which relieve joint pain. Both companies also used deceptive testimonials to sell their products.

EMR's settlement bans the company and its president, Michael McGahee, "from misrepresenting the results of any scientific study or endorsement and requires them to disclose any material connections they have with endorsers." It also imposes a $3.6 million judgment against EMR and McGahee, which will be partially suspended after they pay $145,000.

See ConsumerLab's Review of Joint Health Supplements for tests of related products.

See related recalls and warnings:

Joint Supplement Synovia Was Promoted With Phony Testimonials, Says FTC

Advocare to Pay $150 Million to Settle Charges of Operating a Pyramid Scheme

CVS Settles Lawsuit Over Claims Its Omega-3 Supplement Improves Memory

"Brain Boosting" Supplements Were Promoted With Non-Existent Clinical Studies

For more information, use the link below.