Google has announced a new advertising policy for pharmaceutical companies that presents significant issues and dictates immediate changes.  Effective July 20, pharmaceutical companies can no longer run pharmaceutical ads in the so-called “Black Box Ad Format” – a format that had previously been approved by the FDA.  Instead, pharmaceutical companies will now have to run

The FDA issued two draft guidance documents on social media last week. The first guidance pertains to product claims and risk information on platforms such as Twitter and Google’s sponsored links, while the second guidance covers correcting misinformation that originates from independent third parties on the Internet and social media sites. The FDA has opened up a comment period and will be accepting comments until September 16, 2014.
Continue Reading FDA Writes Prescription for Social Media for Drug and Device Companies

Our firm’s LSHI Group reported on an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week, asking for public input on a proposed research study concerning whether the risks presented in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug ads should be limited solely to risks that are considered “serious and actionable.” While some say the current risk statements found in TV ads are too long and result in, among other things, reduced consumer comprehension, others believe the DTC ads do not provide enough risk information. The deadline for feedback is April 21, 2014. For more information, read the recent post on the Health Industry Washington Watch blog:

http://www.healthindustrywashingtonwatch.com/2014/02/articles/regulatory-developments/fda-developments/coming-to-a-tv-near-you-fda-seeks-public-input-on-limiting-risks-presented-in-directtoconsumer-television-ads/
Continue Reading Should Prescription Drug Risks Be Limited in TV Commercials? The FDA Wants Your Opinion