Proof: I Always Thought "Fast Fred" Was A Used Car Salesman -- But I Suppose That Insults Used Car Salesfolk

Not that all homeopathic remedies are without merit. Far from it. Some are as effective as FDA approved drugs, at a fraction of the cost. And there is good research suggesting that peppermint oils can calm upset stomachs. [But I'll flat out guarantee you there is no peer reviewed research of any kind -- showing that his delivery system here -- microbeaded capsules -- actually achieves any positive clinical outcomes, beyond that of a few pennies a dose, in the form of a drop or two of ordinary peppermint oil, on the tongue. If he had it -- he'd tout it, to the high heavens! Trust that.]

So, what is truly beyond the pale, here -- in my opinion -- is the price ($25 for 48 capsules!?!), and the pseudo-science in which "Fast Fred" drapes his latest "medical food" -- actually something more akin to a nutri-ceutical, if the truth be told. But FDA is taking a hard look at nutri-ceuticals, so Fast Fred is likely trying to "fly under the radar," here -- by calling it a food.

I might ask Fred "How many foods require that they be consumed ONLY under a doctor's close supervision?" Doesn't that contradict the idea of GRAS? How is that "generally recognized as safe"? An overdose of purified, concentrated menthol in the gut can lead to several serious adverse effects. No mention of those, on this slap-dash website.

As I say -- this is quite a come-down for Mr. Hassan -- yet, it does give us a very clear window, to where his head has always been: snagging the hucksters' fast buck -- then moving on, when the regulators show up. And show up, they will.

Note that he is listed (by a laughingly-inane asterisk) as the "non-executive" chairman of this joint. I am sure the others associated with this company, genuinely want to help patients. They have simply put their careers in the hands of the wrong "expert" here. Mark my words, Fred will slip away, saying he had no real responsibility for any regulatory matter, when the FDA shows up for a site visit. His openly making of a medical claim (without accompanying proof, of any kind) in the below YouTube "infomercial" (this is truly priceless -- so amateurish!) just gave FDA clear jurisdiction, trust that. [See it, at about 1:21 onward. . . in the video.] Fred is likely telling IBGard staffers that FDA has no right to come in and tell "us folks" what to do. He is just mistaken about that, in my experienced opinion. Here is his presser:

. . . .IBgard capsules contain individually enteric-coated sustained release microspheres of Ultramen™ an ultra-purified peppermint oil. A patented technology called Site Specific Targeting (SST™) developed by IM HealthScience is used to deliver these microspheres of peppermint oil quickly and reliably to the small intestine.

Peppermint oil is commonly used overseas in well regulated countries such as the United Kingdom. Its use in the United States however has been hampered by the lack of a delivery system that would more precisely deliver it to the small intestine until now.

The concept of IBgard is the brainchild of Fred Hassan founder and chairman* of IM HealthScience. The former CEO of three large global pharmaceutical companies including Schering-Plough Hassan has been associated with many important innovations in biosciences. . . .

The asterisk lists him as non-executive chairman. Hilarious. Okay -- it would be sad -- if it wasn't so funny. Fast Fred -- every bit the late night TV QVC pitchman, here (minus only the countdown clock -- "how many boxes are left, for sale Fred?"):



Sheesh -- you've been warned, America!