Our archives show many stories about the FDA which are negative or, shall we say, severe in the criticism of this troubled agency.

It is a happy day when one can write good news about the FDA.

The FDA is asking doctors—the target of Big Pharma informational campaigns, dinners and programs—to report ads or other “closed-door” sales tactics which doctors think are wrong or misleading.

Inspired.

Good for the FDA.

Reuters

“U.S. health officials are encouraging physicians to report misleading promotions from pharmaceutical salespeople who pitch medicines in doctors’ offices or over dinner.

“The effort announced on Tuesday aims to increase regulators’ reach into the largest area of prescription drug promotion — the private contacts between drug company salespeople and prescribers.

“The law requires prescription drug marketing to be truthful and balanced. Food and Drug Administration staff routinely check ads on television or in magazines and medical journals, but it is tough to track closed-door sales tactics such as a chat inside a doctor’s office or a sales presentation over a meal.

“Starting this month, FDA staff will set up booths at major medical conferences to tell doctors how to spot questionable pitches. The agency also is sending a letter to about 33,000 healthcare providers about the campaign, dubbed the Bad Ad Program.“ (Emphasis added)

Source: Reuters, May 11, 2010