Promotion of Medical Products Using the Internet and Social Media
The FDA is seeking public input on the promotion of FDA-regulated medical products (including prescription drugs and biologics and medical devices) using the internet and social media tools (e.g., blogs, microblogs, podcasts, social networks and online communities, video sharing, widgets, and wikis). To that end, the FDA is hosting a public hearing in Washington, D.C. on November 12-13, 2009 to discuss this topic, and the agency is soliciting public comments through February 28, 2010. In particular, the FDA is requesting input on questions such as: (1) for what online communications are manufacturers, packers, or distributors accountable; (2) how can such entities fulfill regulatory requirements in their internet and social media promotion, particularly when using tools that are associated with space limitations and tools that allow for real-time communications; (3) what parameters should apply to the posting of corrective information on web sites controlled by third parties; (4) when is the use of links appropriate; and (5) how do adverse event reporting requirements apply to these formats.
