FDA Warns Against Use of PNC-27 As Cancer Cure, Due To Bacterial Contamination

Federal health officials are warning patients and medical professionals to stop using the unapproved cancer treatment PNC-27, after discovering it may be contaminated with harmful bacteria that could result in severe health problems or death among those with weakened immune systems. 

The FDA issued the PNC-27 warning on January 12, following a laboratory report indicating the bacteria Variovorax paradoxus was found during routine sample testing. To date, no adverse health reports or injuries have been reported to officials.

PNC-27 is advertised by its manufacturer as a nontoxic protein molecule that attaches to specific receptors only found on cancer cells, promoting the health of the cells and killing the cancerous cells.

PNC-27 has become available on the market through various dosage forms such as nebulized solution, intravenous solutions, vaginal suppository, or rectal suppository forms. PNC-27 was first created in 2000 by Dr. Matthew Pincus and Dr. Josef Michl by using a supercomputer at SUNI Downstate Medical Center in New York. Originally, the medication was created to help fight HIV, but was found to have many similar benefits for cancer treatment.

However, in addition to the new FDA laboratory report indicating a harmful bacterium could be contaminated the solutions, the FDA reports the medication was never evaluated or approved as a safe and effective treatment for any disease, potentially leaving patients susceptible to unknown negative health consequences.

Patients who have received PNC-27 may be at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening infections due to the exposure of Variovorax paradoxus. Consumer who are the most risk of adverse health consequences are those with weakened immune systems such as young children, elderly people and pregnant women.

Patients who have used PNC-27 for treatment of any kind of disease are being asked to consult their primary health care physician immediately and discuss alternative treatment options. Patients with concerns of adverse health consequences after receiving PNC-27 should also contact their healthcare physician immediately for evaluation.