The drug industry released new guidelines which respond to recent criticism of its advertising practices. The proposal would impose a waiting period before companies can advertise new drugs, an idea modeled after the 12-month self-imposed moratorium on new ads recently announced by Bristol Meyers Squibb. The industry guidelines do not specify how long companies must wait before airing ads, however. Also included are new restrictions on content and the hours at which some ads can be shown. As expected, consumer groups were critical of the proposal, saying it doesn't go nearly far enough. Rob Schneider of Consumers Union said, "it appears the pharmaceutical industry has produced a placebo rather than supporting real reform of drug advertising."
- see this story from The New York Times