If one of doctors’ largest lobbying groups has its way, the sun will soon set on the digitally-enhanced world of bright blue skies and fluffy clouds occupied by smiling patients in TV drug ads. The American Medical Association voted this week in favor of a ban on such direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs and medical devices.
The resolution, approved by the AMA’s House of Delegates, has no immediate impact as only the Food and Drug Administration or Congress has the power to ban pharmaceutical advertising.
“Today’s vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially-driven promotions, and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,” AMA board chair-elect Patrice A. Harris said in a statement Tuesday. “Direct-to-consumer advertising also inflates demand for new and more expensive drugs, even when these drugs may not be appropriate.”