Feds sue to stop stem-cell treatment clinics in Calif., Fla.

LOS ANGELES — Federal prosecutors in California and Florida sued Wednesday to stop two companies from providing stem cell treatments, alleging the clinics marketed their procedures as remedies for ailments including cancer and heart disease without proof of safety and efficacy.

The firms put consumers at risk by promising benefits from treatments and products never approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the Justice Department alleged in court filings in both states.

The complaints involve cells taken from patients’ own fat tissue. It’s a growing practice where practitioners collect the fluid from patients via liposuction, treat it with chemicals and then inject it back into the body to treat various conditions.

The lawsuits target Stem Cell Treatment Center, with two locations in Southern California, and U.S. Stem Cell Clinic of Sunrise, Fla.

Mark Berman, co-director of the California clinics, said he stands by his treatments. He said the government had outdated views of stem cell research.

“The idea that we’re doing something dangerous is erroneous,” Berman said.

U.S. Stem Cell said in a statement that it would “vigorously” defend itself in court.

“I remain steadfast that no government agency should deprive individuals of their right to harness the cells that exist in their body,” said Dr. Kristin Comella, the Florida company’s chief science officer.

According to the complaints, the defendants used their products on thousands of patients without first obtaining necessary FDA approvals. The clinics claim the procedures can treat ailments including cancer, pulmonary disease, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injury.