Propagermanium, a newly introduced hydrophilic polymer of 3-oxygermanium propionic acid (3,3’-(1,3- dioxo-1,3-digermoxanediyl) bispropionic acid) has been reported to have antiinflammatory, antiviral and antineoplastic properties. In Japan propagermanium is approved for the treatment of HBe positive chronic hepatitis B. A postmarketing survey, however, revealed the occurrence of moderate to severe liver damage after the treatment in about 4% of patients. In most countries propagermanium falls under the regulations of dietary supplements. An import alert on germanium products was imposed by the U.S. FDA in 1988, because of possible injury to health. In Germany governmental institutions warned consumers of possibly fatal kidney damage.