Basics of Promotion
In the ‘Principles of Review’ module we started to think about the differences between promotional and non-promotional assets and activities, and we looked at the EFPIA definition of promotion. From a global perspective the definitions across the world are very similar. If you would like to see what some authorities say about promotion click on the icons by the flags for the appropriate country or region: (Remember the US is a little different because it allows promotion to the general public).
EFPIA (Europe): any activity undertaken, organised or sponsored by a Member Company, or with its authority, which promotes the prescription, supply, sale, administration, recommendation or consumption of its medicinal product(s).
PMCPA (UK): any activity undertaken by a pharmaceutical company or with its authority which promotes the administration, consumption, prescription, purchase, recommendation, sale, supply or use of its medicines.
Australian Code: any statement made by a company or company's representative, whether verbal or written, which conveys the positive attributes of a product which extend beyond a simple non-qualitative or quantitative description of the therapeutic category or approved indication, for the purpose of encouraging the usage of that product. It includes statements concerning efficacy, rate of adverse effects or other cautionary aspects of the product and comparative information.
FDA (USA): Promotional labeling and advertising are both used to help sell prescription drugs. Promotional labeling differs from advertising in the way it is distributed. Ads are usually broadcast on TV or radio, or are published in newspapers or magazines. Promotional labeling also includes additional other types of materials and ways to get them to the consumer.
