The FDA posted its 'Guidance for Industry' in response to ongoing requests for Off-Label Information About Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices" in the Federal Register.
The 15-page FDA guidance addresses only off-label information, laying out instructions for pharma companies on how to respond to consumers seeking information for a prescription drug other than what it is indicated for.
That is, in a very rudimentary example, if a consumer asked a question on Facebook or called a pharma company's 800 number asking whether it was safe for men over the age of 50 to use Botox, a representative for Botox-maker Allergan could certainly answer the question. However, if the consumer asked whether the use of Botox also helped grow hair on balding men, the representative should refer the consumer to the Allergan website on use and safety information.
Big Pharma, which spent $1 billion in on-line promotion last year and will grow to h $1.52 billion in spending by 2014, has been set by the lack back guidance and ambiguity on social-media use.
going to be like Nike or Apple and say whatever we want in social media. The rules haven't changed for us -- it's the same rules this industry has for traditional media."
I guess it will still take a little longer to see what else the FDA comes up with in the future but for now it seems that pharma firms still need to be vigilant and continue to market their brands cautiously.
Until next time, good luck and good marketing.
Daniele.
It's certainly a small bit of progress, even in the guidance the industry wants may still be a ways off. I think it's wise to move forward as best they can for now. Guidelines regarding specific platforms (e.g. Twitter, G+) aren't likely ever going to materialize. Social Media simply changes and morphs far too quickly for that.
ReplyDeleteCheers :)
Jason Boies
Radian6
You may be right Jason.
ReplyDeleteAfter all the real agenda is to control every aspect of everything for the industry, which of course will never happen due to (as you say) the quick morphing nature of the industry. Thanks for your comment and please keep coming back to listen in.
Isn’t this a good way to make the people reach pharmaceutical companies easier? The usual way people seek for answers in the internet is to use search engines. Instead, they could ask personally, pharmaceutical companies through social networking sites, and get firsthand and exact information on their inquiry. Indeed, technology creates a lot of possibilities not only in pharmaceutical industry, but also with the other industries in the society.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Melcher
George
ReplyDeleteSadly 100 years of history has shown time and time and time again, that pharma companies don't always provide exact information and too often are keen to promote their products outside of their Label (legal indication) where the evidence may be less than solid. Good in theory but in reality, some real issues that may lead to tragic outcomes for people. Thanks for your comment and please keep following. Regards,
Daniele.