FDA Pushed to Regulate Online Drug Promos

Gardner Law attorneys say FDA is receiving pressure from Congress and the medical community to increase its oversight of online prescription drug advertising. In an online post, Gardner says there is increasing concern about social influencers promoting the drugs without adequately disclosing their risks.

The post reviews a Law.com article in which Gardner’s Nathan Downing says social media marketing might not be appropriate for all types of drugs, particularly those with Boxed Warnings. He says it may be difficult for social media influencers to effectively convey what manufacturers need to convey when promoting the drugs.

“To date, however,” Downing wrote, “FDA has not issued guidance with this level of clarity, instead preferring a more general approach that provides more room for interpretation.”

Gardner says that ultimately it is up to drug companies to be proactive in ensuring that their online promotion efforts can withstand FDA scrutiny.