Reno Doctor Charged With Introducing And Distributing Human Growth Hormone
Reno, Nev. – A Reno doctor has been indicted by the Federal Grand Jury on charges that he caused the introduction of human growth hormone into the Reno area from Israel and distributed human growth hormone for a purpose other than the treatment of a disease or other recognized medical condition, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
James W. Forsythe, aka "Dr. Forsythe," age 68, owner and Medical Director of the Century Wellness Clinic located at 521 Hammill Lane, Reno, Nevada, was indicted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, and charged with one count of Causing Introduction Into Interstate Commerce Unapproved New Drugs, one count of Distribution of Human Growth Hormone, and Aiding and Abetting. If convicted, Dr. Forsythe faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the causing introduction count and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the distribution count.
According to the Indictment, on multiple occasions from about June 2003 to February 2005, James W. Forsythe, as aided and abetted by others in the Century Wellness Clinic, Inc., did, with the intent to defraud and mislead, cause the introduction into interstate commerce from Israel to Nevada, a new drug, known as Bio-Tropin, a form of human growth hormone, without the required approval of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Further, on multiple occasions during the same time period, James W. Forsythe, as aided and abetted by others in the Century Wellness Clinic, Inc., did knowingly distribute Bio-Tropin for a purpose other than the treatment of a disease or other recognized medical condition.
Dr. Forsythe is scheduled to make an initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge at 3:00 p.m. today.
The case was investigated by the FDA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Don Gifford.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
