US Administration Holds a Public Hearing on the Internet Promotion of Medical Products
During November, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) held public hearings to assist in developing policies regarding the promotion of drugs and medical devices on the Internet and through online social media. The wide range of participants included representatives from the pharmaceutical, Internet and advertising sectors, health care professionals and public interest groups.
There was general agreement that the FDA should provide guidance to industry, and should continue to encourage a free exchange of information and innovation.
There was disagreement, however, about the extent to which drug manufacturers should be held responsible for content on the Internet. Pharmaceutical companies accepted that they should be responsible for online content that they control, but argued that they should not have a broad obligation to police all third party content, including that posted by users. Additionally, online marketing and search companies argued that it should be acceptable to place risk information “one-click” away from the promotional message in a click-through, sponsored link that appears on search engines. Consumer and patient interest groups, however, disagreed with this position.
Monitoring adverse events on social media sites was also addressed, with much the same conflict over what degree of responsibility for content should be assumed by the industry sectors.
For further information about the hearing, including transcripts, visit:
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/ucm184250.htm
Summary by: Lea Epstein
