Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10613

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Moynihan R.
Citizens' alliance condemns EC report as 'undocumented' and 'biased'
BMJ 2007 Jun 23; 334:(7607):1290
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7607/1290

Abstract:

An international alliance of consumer groups, insurers, and professional associations has stepped up its attacks on the European Commission’s current round of public consultation over drug advertising.

The EC released a report for public consultation earlier this year on current sources of patient information, and it is seeking public comment by the end of June. The report gives strong support to the idea of allowing drug companies to give more information directly to patients, a proposal that critics argue will undermine Europe’s strict ban on direct to consumer drug advertising.

In an open letter sent to two commissioners last week, the alliance, which includes Health Action International, the Medicines in Europe Forum, and the International Society of Drug Bulletins, attacked the “shaky and undocumented nature of the commission’s analysis and the resultant bias in its conclusions.”

Specifically the alliance argues that the commission’s report gives an incomplete list of currently . . .