In order to support the best use of scientific information for patient care, PhRMA, BIO and our member companies have endorsed Principles on Responsible Sharing of Truthful and Non-Misleading Information About Medicines with Health Care Professionals and Payers. These principles are intended to form the basis for defining new and clear regulatory standards governing responsible, truthful and non-misleading communications to inform health care professionals and payers about the safe and effective use of medicines. The principles pertain primarily to data and information outside of FDA-approved labeling, and are intended to establish responsible, science-based parameters for accurate and trusted sharing.

Click here for a fact sheet on the importance of data-driven information sharing with health care professionals and payers. 

Read the principles here.

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is another important resource for improving health care awareness and patient care. DTC advertising informs patients who are potentially suffering from undiagnosed conditions, raises awareness of treatment options and encourages patients to seek medical attention that may help manage conditions and avoid costly medical procedures, such as hospitalization and surgery.

Surveys show that DTC advertising brings patients into their doctors' offices and helps foster important doctor-patient conversations about previously undiagnosed or untreated medical conditions. A national survey by Prevention Magazine found that 29 million patients talked to their doctors about a health condition for the first time after seeing DTC ads1. During those conversations, according to the survey, most patients discuss behavioral and lifestyle changes and more than half receive recommendations for nonprescription or generic medicines.

PhRMA’s revised “Guiding Principles On Direct-to-Consumer Advertisements About Prescription Medicines,” which took effect in 2009, address aspects of DTC ranging from the use of health care professionals and celebrities featured in advertisements to the presentation of balanced benefit and risk information, as well as the appropriate timing and placement of advertisements containing adult-oriented content.

Physician Survey on Pharmaceutical Company Activities and Information

Read the results of a survey that emphasizes the value of biopharmaceutical company engagement with healthcare providers.