FTC Returns more than $750,000 to Consumers Who Bought Two Deceptively Marketed Supplements from Health Research Laboratories, LLC

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 16,596 checks totaling more than $750,000 to consumers who bought two deceptively marketed dietary supplements, NeuroPlus and BioTherapex, from Health Research Laboratories, LLC. Affected consumers will receive their checks by the end of December, with the average refund amount totaling $44.34.

The FTC and the State of Maine’s complaint against Health Research Laboratories and its principal, announced in November 2017, alleged that the defendants deceptively marketed two of their health products, BioTherapex and NeuroPlus.

NeuroPlus, which sold for $39.99 per bottle, was deceptively marketed using claims it could protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, reverse memory loss, and improve memory and cognitive performance. BioTherapex, which sold for $39.95 per bottle, was falsely advertised to treat arthritis, relieve joint and back pain, and cause significant weight loss. The complaint alleged that the health and efficacy claims for both products are false or unsubstantiated.

In addition to barring the allegedly illegal conduct, the order settling the FTC’s charges required the defendants to pay $800,000 to provide refunds to injured consumers. Consumers who bought NeuroPlus will receive a refund of all of the money that they spent on the product. Consumers who bought BioTherapex will receive a refund of almost 15 percent of the purchase price.

Recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days, as indicated on the check. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

Consumers with questions about the refund program should contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Analytics Consulting LLC, at 877-915-1883. To learn more about the FTC’s refund program, visit www.ftc.gov/refunds.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.