Prevagen Supplement Marketing Under Scrutiny: Jury Finds Quincy Bioscience Liable for False Advertising

On January 9, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the People of the State of New York filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Quincy Bioscience Holding Company, Inc., Quincy Bioscience, LLC, Prevagen, Inc., Quincy Bioscience Manufacturing, LLC, Mark Underwood, and Michael Beaman (collectively, “Defendants”) for deceptive practices related to the marketing and sale of Prevagen, a memory supplement. The false advertising lawsuit sought injunctive relief, restitution, and penalties under the FTC Act and New York state law for false advertising and fraud.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), an independent U.S. agency, enforces laws against false advertising and deceptive practices. It can file lawsuits in federal courts, seek injunctions, and secure remedies like refunds and recovery of illicit profits. Similarly, the New York Attorney General (NYAG) enforces state laws to combat fraudulent business practices, pursuing penalties and restitution for consumers. The Defendants in this case include Quincy Bioscience Holding Company, Inc., and its subsidiaries, based in Madison, Wisconsin. Co-founders Mark Underwood and Michael Beaman oversaw the company’s operations, advertising, and research. Since 20