In light of the recent drafts of the FDA's regulation and guidance for controlling mobile apps, it is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handing down fines to app developers for false claims.
The developers of AcneApp (iTunes) and Acne Pwner (Android Market) are required to pay the FTC $14,294.00 and $1,700.00 in fines respectively. The applications cited a British Journal of Dermatology, claiming that a duration of blue and red light treatments are effective in treating acne. The article notes that it is curious that the FTC is handing down the fines, rather than the FDA especially since the FDA's guidance mentions apps that utilize light to enact treatment. Even more surprising, there appear to be five additional light-therapy acne apps.
Within the medical device industry, we should see this as a strong warning sign that regulation of these apps is no joke. The FTC clearly has no problem levying fines against developers and one can only imagine that the FDA will join them as app-store police. Warning shots have been fired.
-RTK