UAE ministry issues warning against deer placenta 'wonder drug'

The Ministry of Health and Community Prevention has issued a warning against a dietary supplement touted as a cure-all for blood pressure, diabetes, and sexual dysfunction.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for medical practice and licence sector at the Ministry of Health, has said that the New Zealand product sold for Dh1,395 is not registered with the ministry, its specifications are unscientific and pose a high health risk, according to reports.
Dr Al Amiri was reacting to an audio clip that has gone viral on social media sites promoting the drug which was allegedly extracted from placenta of deer.
He added that the use of animal placenta to treat human diseases is unethical and more studies needed to confirm its safety for human use.
The placenta is rich with nutrients that help the foetus develop, including stem cells. Extracting these substances for medical use has been studied extensively, especially for genetic diseases such as Thalassemia.
He warned against the consequences of circulating such misleading information only after confirming with the health authorities in the country. "It is a shame to share, copy and publish it in forums and groups."
He urged the public not to circulate such medical treatments and those who promote such illegal products will be held accountable by the authorities.
Dr Amiri also pointed out that wonder drug ideas harm the reputation of programmes and medicines used in the UAE and threaten clinical trials by the international health bodies.
Social network sites are not deemed credible sources of medical information and consumers need to be wary of following treatments without verification from official health sector sources.
Consumers with doubts regarding health products should contact the Ministry of Health and Community Prevention at their email pv@moh.gov.ae  or through the Tamani service link http://moh.gov.ae/ar/Services/Pages/TaminiService.aspx  
reporters@khaleejtimes.com