A court ruling that dealt with prescription drug promotion was a topic of discussion at the Marketing Pharmaceuticals Workshop on February 20th–21st, hosted by DIA in Washington, D.C. More than 260 people attended the workshop, which has been conducted annually since 1989.
A recent 2nd Circuit court decision, U.S. vs. Caronia, involving a sales representative for a drug company was discussed by a number of panels. The FDA representatives at the workshop announced the government’s decision not to appeal the case and said the case would not affect FDA policy or enforcement. A number of lawyers who represent the industry discussed their views of the case’s implications.
This annual workshop helps to foster a common understanding of how marketing is conducted in a highly regulated environment. The audience consisted of a broad section of individuals involved with the marketing of pharmaceuticals, biologics, OTC drugs and medical devices.
The panels also presented updates on government policies and enforcement, the use of the latest technologies to promote products, and establishing internal systems within companies to make promotional reviews more efficient. As always, the audience benefitted from the active participation of many FDA staff members.
Next year marks the 25th Annual Marketing Pharmaceuticals Workshop. Be sure to monitor the DIA website www.DIAhome.org as more details become available.
