Matthew Ryncarz and his company, Fusion Health and Vitality, LLC d/b/a Pharm Origins, are facing federal charges for peddling a fake cure during America’s darkest pandemic hours. Prosecutors allege the Savannah-based operation sold a product called ‘Immune Shot’ with bold, false claims it could slash a person’s risk of contracting COVID-19 by nearly 50 percent—exploiting fear, desperation, and the vulnerability of older Americans.
The scheme kicked off in March 2020, as hospitals overflowed and lockdowns gripped the nation. Ryncarz, through Pharm Origins, launched a slick website hawking ‘Immune Shot’ at $19 a bottle. The sales pitch was aggressive and manipulative: ‘The NEXT FIVE MINUTES could save your life,’ ‘Is Your Life Worth $19? Seriously, Is It?’ and ‘Point Blank, if YOU Leave, YOU are at Risk.’ These weren’t just marketing tactics—they were weapons aimed at seniors, those over 50, the very population most threatened by the virus.
Federal authorities say the product was never tested, never approved, and never anything more than a misbranded drug under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Bobby L. Christine, made it clear: ‘Our office is committed to ensuring that businesses do not take advantage of a global health crisis and people’s fears in order to unlawfully make a buck.’
The charges, filed as an Information in U.S. District Court, allege ‘Immune Shot’ bore false and misleading labeling in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 352(a)(1). Ryncarz and Pharm Origins pushed the product not just locally, but across state lines, turning a public emergency into a profit engine. No medical evidence backed their claims. No FDA approval existed. Just slick copy and a $19 price tag.
Enforcers aren’t holding back. FDA Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder warned: ‘Today’s announcement should serve as a reminder that we will take action against those who take advantage of a crisis by potentially jeopardizing the health of Americans.’ FBI Atlanta’s Chris Hacker added, ‘It is especially concerning because this alleged scheme targeted citizens who are most vulnerable to the virus.’
Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Thomas Clarkson and Patrick J. Schwedler are handling the prosecution. Ryncarz and Pharm Origins remain presumed innocent until proven guilty. The DOJ urges anyone with information on pandemic fraud to call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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