Twitter Symbology Proposed For The FDA

Interesting idea, although I'm not sure a symbol alone provides enough assurance for consumers ... never mind the governance aspects around use of the symbol, monitoring, enforcement, etc.

Pharma Marketing Blog: PhRMA Proposes FDA-Approved Use of Universal Safety Symbol for Branded Tweets & SE Ads

In a telephone news briefing, PhRMA proposed an "FDA-Approved Use of Universal Safety Symbol" that could be used in branded/sponsored ad links (eg, Adwords) and Twitter posts (see image below).

PhRMA says in its slide presentation (see here):

• Universal safety symbol (FDA logo or other FDA-approved symbol) and universal statement would indicate that the linked page contains FDA-regulated risk information (e.g., official Prescribing Information, patient Medication Guide)
• Throughout the Web, a universal symbol would help healthcare professionals and consumers identify official, FDA-regulated medical product Web sites. Prominence of graphic could drive clicks to comprehensive information
• Include established name and true abbreviated indication, if Internet media do not allow for full information
• Include affirmative statement about risks, even if abbreviated
• Universal symbol could be used on search engines, blogs, microblogs, video
• FDA would set conditions on use of the safety symbol by manufacturers

“Leveraging the FDA’s logo – or a universal FDA-approved graphic symbol – in search results and throughout the Web would inform patients, at a glance, that they are visiting a legitimate site that contains comprehensive FDA-regulated benefit and risk information. Such a graphic symbol could be combined with a universal warning statement to provide an indication of risk when there is little space (e.g., a search result or tweet)," said PhRMA (see "PhRMA Statement About Accessing Online Health Information").

Reporters had several questions about the proposal, including what kind of resources FDA would need to review material before granting use of the symbol and monitoring thereafter. Jeff Francer, Assistant General Counsel at PhRMA, mentioned user fees that PhRMA proposed for FDA review of promotions. "Unfortunately," said Francer, "congress did not appropriate the money in order for that user fee to go into effect. PhRMA will continue to support a strongly-funded FDA even if it means that user fees from our companies will have to support some of these activities."

Pharma Marketing Blog: PhRMA Proposes FDA-Approved Use of Universal Safety Symbol for Branded Tweets & SE Ads

Comments

[clock engraved]

A nice idea but I was just wondering what the FDA would do monitor such things & what are the things to consider in creating it?