Tien Tan Vo, a 47-year-old doctor in Imperial Valley, recently admitted to illegally using foreign and unapproved cosmetic drugs in his practice, involving nearly 178 patients and generating over $100,000 in revenue, reports Hoodline.
Among the misused drugs were a botulinum toxin product named "Xeomeen" and an injectable lip filler, "Probcel," neither of which had gained approval or oversight from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is well concerning that the absence of regulation opens doors for dangerous practices prioritizing profit over patient safety.
Vo's plea agreement will lead him to face a penalty of $201,534, and he will be required to, too, make restitution to his victims and forfeit $100,767, which is the income he earned from illegal sales of these drugs, as confirmed by the Department of Justice.
The case has also stirred considerable attention, highlighting the potential dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures and the need for measures to keep violations in check, Hoodline reports.
Special Agent in Charge, Robert M. Iwanicki, of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office, stressed the need for maintaining FDA standards to ensure safe and effective medical treatments. He asserted the commitment towards ensuring that those distributing unapproved drugs or treatments will be held accountable.
A restitution hearing for Vo is scheduled on December 7, 2023. Anyone affected by the incident or requiring related information can reach out at [email protected].
