Digital Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: A Perfect Storm of Rapid Evolution and Stagnant Regulation; Comment on “Trouble Spots in Online Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Promotion: A Content Analysis of FDA Warning Letters”

Document Type : Commentary

Author

1 Department of Anesthesiology, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA

2 Department of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health, San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA

3 Joint Masters Program in Health Policy and Law, San Diego School of Medicine and California Western School of Law, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA

4 Global Health Policy Institute, San Diego, CA, USA

Abstract

The adoption and use of digital forms of direct-to-consumer advertising (also known as “eDTCA”) is on the rise. At the same time, the universe of eDTCA is expanding, as technology on Internet-based platforms continues to evolve, from static websites, to social media, and nearly ubiquitous use of mobile devices. However, little is known about how this unique form of pharmaceutical marketing impacts consumer behavior, public health, and overall healthcare utilization. The study by Kim analyzing US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notices of violations (NOVs) and warning letters regarding online promotional activities takes us in the right direction, but study results raise as many questions as it does answers. Chief among these are unanswered concerns about the unique regulatory challenges posed by the “disruptive” qualities of eDTCA, and whether regulators have sufficient resources and oversight powers to proactively address potential violations. Further, the globalization of eDTCA via borderless Internet-based technologies raises larger concerns about the potential global impact of this form of health marketing unique to only the United States and New Zealand. Collectively, these challenges make it unlikely that regulatory science will be able to keep apace with the continued rapid evolution of eDTCA unless more creative policy solutions are explored.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 December 2015
  • Revise Date: 02 February 2016
  • Accept Date: 02 February 2016
  • First Publish Date: 01 April 2016

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