E-drug: Debate on Drug Advertising in Europe
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Dear E-Drug Readers,
Thursday January 10th, HAI Europe will co-organise a symposium
on direct-to-consumer advertising. Below is the press release for
the event. Those who would still like to attend, should contact HAI.
PRESS RELEASE 08 JANUARY 2002
DEBATE OPENS ON AMERICAN-STYLE DRUG ADVERTISING IN
EUROPE
Consumers and public health officials are worried that a recent
European Commission proposal to permit advertising of some
prescription-only medicines directly to the public will lead to a US-
style spiral of escalating costs and unnecessary drug use in Europe.
On Thursday January 10, 2002 Health Action International (HAI)
Europe and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) are
hosting a one-day international symposium to discuss the EC's
proposed legislative change. A diverse range of speakers and
panel experts will attend and the audience is invited to fully
participate in discussing the issue. Attendance is free.
The EC's proposal would allow advertising of HIV/AIDS, asthma
and diabetes medications to the public. While promoters of the
proposal claim the aim is to meet the demands of patient advocacy
groups, critics say that the drug industry has been busily lobbying
for the legislative changes. "The EC proposal reflects industry
pressure and not the demands and wishes of independent patient
groups", says Charles Medawar, one of the symposium's
keynote speakers and an expert on the drug industry from Social
Audit, UK.
"The US experience stands as a warning of what could happen in
Europe," says Barbara Mintzes, a leading authority on consumer
drug promotion from the University of British Columbia in
Vancouver, Canada. She notes that in the US, direct-to-consumer
advertising (DTCA) of prescription medicines has produced
misleading information for consumers, rapid widespread use of new
expensive products that are often no better than cheaper
alternatives, and double digit inflation in drug spending. She notes
that New Zealand, the only other country allowing DTCA, has seen
a similar pattern. All are invited to attend the day's events
WHO: This symposium is sponsored by HAI-Europe and the EPHA,
in co-operation with the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and
Sport. Speakers include researchers, consumer, patient and
industry representatives, WHO, drug regulators, and insurers,
predominantly from Europe.
WHAT: The European Commission has proposed an amendment
to Article 88 of the Directive on the Community Code relating to
Medicinal Products for Human Use. This proposal will, for a five-
year trial period, permit pharmaceutical companies to provide
consumers with information on prescription medicines authorized to
treat HIV/AIDS, asthma and diabetes.
WHERE: International Trade Union House, 5 Boulevard du Roi
Albert II, B-1210 Brussels
WHEN: Thursday, 10 January 2002, 9:30-17:00 (Press conference
at 12:30)
WHY: To discuss the question: Providing Prescription Medicine
Information to Consumers: Is there a role for Direct to Consumer
Advertising?
For more information please contact HAI Europe (+31-20) 683 3684
or (+31 6) 1465 2369 (cell phone) or via e-mail at
hai@hai.antenna.nl
Lisa Hayes
on behalf of HAI Europe
Jacob van Lennepkade 334-T
1053 NJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
tel: + 31 - 20 - 683 3684
fax: + 31 - 20 - 685 5002
e-mail: hai@hai.antenna.nl
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