Illegal promotion of cancer treatments: ANSM sanctions three companies

Illegal advertisements for medicines on the Internet. Three companies promoted cancer treatments not authorized in France. In a press release, published on November 28, the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products announced health policy decisions against them.

Illegal advertisements for cancer treatments

“We have been alerted by our European counterparts of the promotion by the companies Immucura, Immunyo and Iaso Health GmbH of an unauthorized ‘dendritic cell immunotherapy’ anti-cancer treatment on their websites and social networks.specifies the organization in its press release. The three companies present their treatment as an effective solution against cancer, without adverse effects. “Dendritic cell therapy used in the treatment of cancer meets the definition of a drug but has not been the subject of a marketing authorization (AMM) in France or in Europe.underlines the ANSM.

Immunotherapy not authorized in France: a risk of endangering patients

However, the organization points out that treatment without marketing authorization can “present health risks and constitute a loss of opportunity for the patient who would forgo validated treatments in this context. In an interview with France InfoAlexandre de La Volpilière, in charge of operations at the ANSM, completes by specifying that these treatments can “endanger patients”. “It is important that we can immediately suspend this advertising and prevent patients from turning to this type of therapy which is not evaluated either in France or at European level.”he warns. Health policy decisions were taken by the organization in order to suspend illegal advertisements. Investigations continue, in conjunction with the ANSM’s European counterparts. It specifies that it reserves the right “to refer the matter to the public prosecutor“and to carry out”a report on the official portal for reporting illegal internet content (Pharos)“.

Dendritic cell immunotherapy treatment: what are we talking about?

The treatment offered by these three companies is based on an innovative technique, based on so-called dendritic cells. As the Institut Curie specifies, these are “key cells of the immune system. “Often described as the body’s sentinels, they patrol everywhere to flush out possible dangers and then alert other cells of the immune system to take action.. They will thus “mature”, migrate into the lymph nodes, and activate T lymphocytes capable of destroying tumors.”

If it is promising, this treatment method must be approved by health authorities before being generalized. “We recommend that patients do not use dendritic cell therapy treatment as its effectiveness and safety have not been demonstrated.“, indicates the ANSM. Patients who have used these unauthorized therapies must contact their oncologist and report any adverse effects.