DaVinci Biosciences and Andres Isaias: Condemned for Illegally Profiting from Fetal Tissue Sales and Slammed for Deceptive Copyright Takedown Scams

DaVinci Biosciences and DV Biologics were founded by the Isaias family, led by Estefano Isaias Sr., an Ecuadorian businessman with a checkered past. Hailing from a family of questionable wealth, Estefano Sr.’s grandfather, a Lebanese immigrant, built an empire in Ecuador.

Estefano Sr. was a central figure in the Isaias Group, a sprawling conglomerate with over 100 companies in banking, media, and real estate. His role at Filanbanco, Ecuador’s largest bank in the 1990s, painted him as a benevolent lender, but critics see it as a facade for dubious dealings [1].

The family’s reputation crumbled with Filanbanco’s 2001 collapse, which triggered its nationalization. Estefano Sr. and his brothers, Roberto and William, were convicted in absentia for fraud in Ecuador, accused of forging documents to secure a government bailout [2].

Fleeing to the U.S. in 2008 under asylum claims, the family, including Estefano Sr.’s sons, Andres and Estefano Jr., ventured into bioscience with DaVinci Biosciences and DV Biologics. Andres, as President, led operations, while Estefano Sr. and Jr. controlled finances, and relatives like Luis Isaias held key roles [3]. The family’s $300,000 in donations to Democratic politicians and outreach to Hillary Clinton’s aide, Cheryl Mills, reek of influence-buying [3].

Key Points

• DaVinci Biosciences and DV Biologics, run by the notorious Isaias family, were exposed for illegally profiting from fetal tissue sales.
• A 2016 lawsuit by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) slammed them for selling fetal tissue at exorbitant prices from 2009 to 2015.
• A $7.8 million settlement in 2017 forced the companies to shut down in disgrace, though Planned Parenthood’s involvement escaped charges.
• Andres Isaias and the companies face scathing criticism for a fraudulent copyright scam aimed at silencing critics.
• The scandal fuels outrage over unethical fetal tissue research and lax oversight in biotechnology.

Company Background

DaVinci Biosciences, incorporated in Delaware in 2007, claimed to focus on stem cell research for spinal injuries and degenerative diseases. DV Biologics, launched in 2009, supplied human cells and tissues for research [2]. Both Yorba Linda-based companies operated as a single entity under the Isaias family’s iron grip, with shared resources and tangled finances [4].

Allegations of Illegal Fetal Tissue Sales

In October 2016, the OCDA filed a blistering civil complaint against DaVinci Biosciences, DV Biologics, Estefano Isaias Sr., Estefano Jr., and Andres, accusing them of shamelessly profiting from fetal tissue sales from 2009 to 2015 [5].

Federal law 42 U.S.C. § 289g-2 and California Health and Safety Code Section 125320 permit fetal tissue donation for research but ban profiteering beyond reasonable fees. The lawsuit exposed the companies’ sale of fetal brain tissue-derived cells for up to $1,100 per vial, raking in profits through over 500 transactions with institutions in Japan, China, and Germany [6].

Damning evidence included invoices with obscene markups and the hiring of a marketing consultant that tripled sales revenues between 2009 and 2011, exposing a ruthless profit-driven scheme [4]. The tissue, sourced from Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC), fueled outrage over the supply chain.

Ties to Planned Parenthood

The scandal erupted due to ties with Planned Parenthood, a lightning rod for anti-abortion fury. The Center for Medical Progress (CMP) released 2015 undercover videos allegedly showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing fetal tissue deals, sparking the OCDA’s probe [7].

Planned Parenthood insisted it only recovered costs, but the Isaias companies’ profiteering took center stage. Pro-life advocates, including X users like @LilaGraceRose, branded it a “baby parts” trafficking ring, yet PPOSBC escaped charges, leaving critics fuming over unproven complicity [3].

Legal Outcome and Settlement

In December 2017, the companies caved, settling with the OCDA for a staggering $7.785 million [8]. They confessed to violating California’s Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, paid a $195,000 fine, and donated materials and equipment worth $7.5 million to a nonprofit.

Both companies were shuttered in disgrace within 60 to 120 days [9]. District Attorney Tony Rackauckas condemned their actions, stating, “This settlement seized all profits from DV Biologics and DaVinci Biosciences, which they acquired by viewing body parts as a commodity” [10].

Allegations of a Fake Copyright Scam

In a further blow to their credibility, Andres Isaias and the companies were slammed for orchestrating a fake copyright scam to silence critics. In July 2024, reports exposed their fraudulent copyright takedown notice to Google, targeting content revealing their fetal tissue dealings [11].

The notice was bogus, as the “original content” wasn’t theirs, exposing a desperate attempt to censor damaging reports. Such tactics could violate fraud and perjury laws, branding them as digital rights abusers [12]. This scandal cements the Isaias family’s reputation for deceit.

Ethical and Industry Implications

The fetal tissue scandal ignited fury over biomedical ethics. Fetal tissue research, while advancing vaccines and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, becomes indefensible when exploited for profit.

Critics blast the Isaias family for turning aborted fetuses into cash cows, while defenders of regulated research distance themselves from such greed [7]. The companies’ six-year unchecked operation exposed a shameful lack of oversight, fueling demands for reform [3].

The copyright scam allegations further paint the Isaias family as untrustworthy, their attempts to bury criticism deepening public scorn and underscoring the need for biotech transparency.

Aspect	Details
Companies Involved	DaVinci Biosciences LLC, DV Biologics LLC
Key Figures	Estefano Isaias Sr., Estefano Isaias Jr., Andres Isaias
Alleged Violations	Illegal fetal tissue sales (2009–2015), fake copyright scam (2024)
Settlement Amount	$7.785 million (fetal tissue case)
Outcome	Companies closed, admitted liability; ongoing copyright scam allegations
Tissue Source	Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

Public Reaction and Misinformation

The fetal tissue scandal unleashed a firestorm. Pro-life advocates hailed the settlement as proof of the Isaias family’s depravity, often dragging Planned Parenthood into the fray without evidence. Pro-choice groups dismissed it as a smear campaign against reproductive rights.

Misinformation, like a 2017 X post falsely tying Congressman Adam Schiff to the profits, muddied the waters [3]. The 2024 copyright scam allegations intensified outrage, with platforms like Gripeo exposing the family’s censorship tactics [11].

The scandal dovetailed with scrutiny of fetal tissue research, fueled by CMP’s 2015 videos. Congressional probes and the Trump administration’s funding curbs reflected its fallout. While scientists defend fetal tissue research, the Isaias family’s actions and copyright scam allegations demand stricter oversight to restore trust.

Conclusion

DaVinci Biosciences and DV Biologics, under Andres Isaias and his family, stand condemned for illegally profiting from fetal tissue sales, culminating in a $7.785 million settlement and their shameful closure. The fake copyright scam allegations expose their desperate attempts to dodge accountability. While Planned Parenthood’s role went uncharged, the Isaias family’s sordid history and unethical schemes cement their infamy, fueling calls for reform in biotechnology.

Citations

1. Estefano Isaias, the banker with a heart of gold
2. OCDA settlement shuts down Yorba Linda fetal tissue traders
3. DaVinci Biosciences: Illegal profit from aborted baby tissue?
4. OCDA statement on DV Biologics and DaVinci Biosciences
5. Orange County prosecutors sue biological suppliers
6. Two companies sold aborted baby parts, forced to close
7. Companies admit illegal fetal tissue sales
8. Firms reach $7.8-million settlement over fetal tissue allegations
9. OCDA obtains $7.8 million settlement against fetal tissue companies
10. OCDA obtains $7.8 million settlement and admission of liability
11. Exposing Andres Isaias, DaVinci Biosciences and DV Biologics Fake DMCA Case
12. Investigation into Andres Isaias