Anti-aging website hit with $63,000 in fines for marketing preventative COVID-19 treatment

An Australian website selling peptides it marketed as a preventative treatment for COVID-19 has been hit with more than $60,000 in fines from Australia's medicinal watchdog.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today issued five infringement notices to Victorina-based SGC Products for alleged unlawful advertising of products in relation to coronavirus.

The TGA alleges SGC operated a website known as www.doctorageless.com.au which advertised Thymosin alpha-1 and Thymosin Beta-4 peptides as a "breakthrough preventative treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19)".

READ MORE: Pete Evans fined $25,200 over claims $15,000 'Biocharger' product could be used against coronavirus

In total the five infringement notices will cost SGC Products $63,000.

The alleged unlawful advertising has also been taken down from the website.

Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health Professor John Skerritt warned businesses that even quoting other sources in relation to COVID-19 may be in breach of the law.

"The TGA has not registered any products as a preventative treatment for COVID-19 infection," Adj. Professor Skerritt said.

"We allege an advertisement that claims a particular medicine can prevent COVID-19 could put lives at risk and is likely to be illegal.

READ MORE: Price gouging is happening amid the coronavirus pandemic but it's not for the reasons you think

"Businesses are responsible for the content of their advertising - and just because they quote another source it does not remove this responsibility."

Dr Ageless allegedly also marketed the products as being effective against "cancerous cells", which also breaches laws relating to the advertising of products relating to cancer.

The TGA also warned consumers to be alert to claims made by businesses that are selling products claiming to fight or prevent COVID-19.

"As a consumer, it is important to be aware of false and misleading advertising. Unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of the current situation by advertising products that claim to prevent or cure COVID-19," the TGA warns.

"Claims being made include unregistered products that 'kill COVID-19', air purifiers that help fight the coronavirus, complementary medicines that prevent the virus, and a medical device that treats a number of serious diseases including COVID-19, HIV AIDs and cancer."

9News.com.au has contacted ww.doctorageless.com.au for comment.

You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348

For coronavirus breaking news alerts and livestreams straight to your smartphone sign up to the 9News app and set notifications to on at the App Store or Google Play.