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AMA Backs FDA Pre-Screening of Direct-to-Consumer TV Drug Ads

www.medpagetoday.com

The American Medical Association, testifying before Congress, has endorsed the proposal that the FDA should review and approve all direct-to-consumer ads for new drugs before they are aired on television. Nancy H. Nielson, M.D., Ph.D., of Buffalo, N.Y., president-elect of the AMA, told a House subcommittee that most AMA members don't like direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs, but they had become a fact of life and may be protected by the First Amendment.

The best approach to deal with these ads, Dr. Nielson said, would be an FDA review prior to broadcast in order to guarantee that no unwarranted claims were made and that risks and benefits were fairly presented. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who convened the hearing titled "Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: Marketing, Education, or Deception," has proposed legislation that would require such FDA reviews.

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