FDA expected to announce review of DTC ads

The Food and Drug Administration is poised to formally initiate a review of its policies regarding drug company ads, and an announcement to that effect may come as early as today, The Wall Street Journal reports. The review would be the first look the regulatory body has taken at DTC ads in the 10 years since the government opened up the airwaves to advertising by drug companies. Analysts do not expect major changes, such as the all-out ban on ads which some pharma industry critics have asked for, but do expect some substantial changes to be made. A clarification of existing guidelines is considered likely as are new rules governing Internet advertising.

- see this story from The Wall Street Journal (sub. req.)