Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7357

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

Priest A.
CanWest set to challenge ban on DTCA
CMAJ 2007 Jan 2; 176:(1):
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/176/1/19

Full text:

CanWest Global Communication’s bid to overturn Ottawa’s ban on direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs will face a stiff challenge after a court ruling has allowed a coalition of Canadian health and consumer groups and unions to intervene.

The Nov. 5th decision by the Ontario Superior Court means that CanWest will not only have to oppose Health Canada, which currently forbids public advertising of prescription drugs, but advocacy groups who fear that such advertising will lead to unsafe drug use and increased public health care costs. The case is scheduled to be heard in January or February, and will likely end up in the Supreme Court of Canada.

It is estimated that the annual Canadian drug advertising market is worth about half a billion dollars. The court decision means the coalition will be allowed to introduce evidence against lifting of DTCA and to cross-examine witnesses. Coalition members include the Women and Health Protection, Canadian Health Coalition, Medical Reform Group of Ontario, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Drug Safety Canada and Society of Diabetic Rights…