CCTV 3·15 Gala exposes fake “universal miracle drugs” — viral “exosome” product found to be unqualified

Gala lifts the veil on a booming, poorly regulated market

China Central Television (CCTV, 中央电视台) used its high‑profile 3·15 consumer rights gala to flag a surging problem: so‑called “universal” miracle drugs based on exosomes are being sold as ready‑made cures despite lacking approval or basic product information. Reporters traced one viral product, “Qingcheng” (轻澄), to manufacturer Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (灏麟（天津）生物科技有限公司), and found it was being produced under a misused collagen licence — a clear attempt to evade regulatory oversight.

What are exosomes — hype vs. science

Exosomes are small, biologically active vesicles secreted during cell culture and have attracted attention in anti‑ageing and aesthetic medicine circles. But their mechanisms of action and safety profiles remain largely at the research stage. It has been reported that in June 2025 the National Medical Products Administration’s Drug Evaluation Center issued a draft consultation proposing that exosomes with therapeutic effects be regulated as drugs — a sign regulators are trying to catch up — yet to date no exosome‑based drug has received marketing approval in China.

Market abuses, “three‑no” products and risky injections

CCTV reporters found widespread malpractice: products with no manufacturer or packaging information (so‑called “three‑no” products), false or misleading claims that exosomes can cure epilepsy, arthritis or diabetes, and a common business model of “borrowing” licensed clinics to perform injections. It has been reported that one company, identified as Jiebosai’er Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (婕波噻尔生物科技有限公司), displayed frozen “medical‑grade” vials with no labels and told reporters they administer escalating doses — reportedly 1,500 billion particles, then 2,000 billion, then 2,500 billion — charging roughly RMB 60,000 for the course. Consumers have posted complaints alleging infections, severe acne and prolonged allergic reactions after treatments.

Implications and the road ahead

Who is policing the boom in cosmetic biotech? CCTV’s exposé underscores a widening enforcement gap as commercial demand outpaces both science and regulation. Against a backdrop of global scrutiny over biologics and tighter controls on medical products, Chinese regulators appear to be moving toward stronger oversight — but experts warn enforcement and clearer clinical standards will be needed before consumers can safely navigate the exosome market.