Drug advertising guidelines draw criticism
Critics contend that DTC promotion boosts medical costs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pharmaceutical marketers are trying to appease critics of consumer drug advertising by offering voluntary guidelines that aim to halt some of the more offending practices. Members of Congress and patient advocates, however, regard the new policy approved by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) as meaningless because its provisions can't be enforced. But the new policy most likely means no more ads for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments during the Super Bowl.
The guidelines, which have been adopted by some 25 drug companies, support the basic premise that DTC drug advertising is beneficial-that it informs doctors and patients about useful treatments and promotes better healthcare. Critics contend that DTC promotion boosts medical costs, and encourages inappropriate treatment, and should be eliminated altogether. Because First Amendment protections prevent an outright DTC ad ban, patient advocate Sidney Wolfe of the Health Research Group seeks more stringent DTC regulation, including preclearance of TV commercials by the Food and Drug Administration plus fines on marketers using violative promotional materials.
The PhRMA guidelines advise drug marketers to present balanced ads that disclose risks and benefits (i.e., follow existing FDA rules) and contain provisions that could change certain marketing practices. These include:
David Calabrese of OptumRx Talks New Role, Market Insulin Prices and Other Topics 'On His Mind'
April 13th 2023In this month’s episode of the "What's On Your Mind podcast," Peter Wehrwein, managing editor of MHE connects with the now Chief Clinical Officer of OptumRx Integrated Pharmacies, David Calabrese. In this conversation, David touches on his transition in January as OptumRx’s former chief pharmacy officer and market president of health plans and PBMs to his new role as Chief Clinical Officer where he now focuses more on things such as specialty pharmacy to home delivery — with an overall goal of creating whole-patient care. Throughout the conversation, Calabrese also touched on the market’s hot topic of insulin prices and behavioral health services within the OptumRx community, among other topics.
Listen
Upended: Can PBM Transparency Succeed?
March 6th 2024Simmering tensions in the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry have turned into fault lines. The PBMs challenging the "big three" have formed a trade association. Purchaser coalitions want change. The head of the industry's trade group says inherent marketplace friction has spilled over into political friction.
Read More
Briana Contreras, editor of Managed Healthcare Executive, spoke with Nancy Lurker, CEO and president of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals. Nancy shared a bit about EyePoint and how the organization’s innovative therapies are addressing patient needs through eye care, and most importantly, she addressed C-Suite positions like the CEO role. Nancy shared advice for those seeking to reach the CEO level, especially toward women in healthcare and other roles, and what it takes to run a biopharma company.
Listen
The deliberate disconnection of Change Healthcare to ring fence a cyberattack entered its seventh day today. Prescribers are finding ways to get pharmacy claims processed, and UnitedHealth Group says disruption to the dispensing of prescriptions has been minimal. But independent pharmacies want more information and protection from financial consequences from pharmacy benefit managers.
Read More
