317
There seem to be some inconsistencies within the answers provided in this forum. In Question #313, PAAB replied that the indication does not constitute a 'claim' while in Question #303, PAAB stated that the indication is indeed a 'claim'. Could you please clarify your position. I'd argue that the indication is a claim as it refers to a therapeutic/ clinical effect.
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Voir réponse [+]
An indication statement is a claim. BUT it does not (in and of itself) impact whether the highest, middle, or lowest level of fair balance is required. A piece with only the indication statement, would qualify for the lowest level fair balance. Please see the guidance document "Guidance on Generating the Three Base Fair Balance Levels" and "Guidance on Base Fair Balance Level Selection and Placement".
316
What are the limitations in terms of advertising for OTC pharmaceutical brands with a DIN?
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Voir réponse [+]
I'll assume the question relates to HCP advertising. For any healthcare product (as defined in section 11 of the PAAB code), regardless of its federal schedule, advertising must be contistent with the Terms of Marketing Authorization (TMA). Where the reference for a particular claim is something other than the TMA, the reference must meet all rigors required in the PAAB code (which from an evidentiary perspective are identical for Rx products versus non Rx products). For fair balance requirements relating to OTC products, refer to PAAB code section 2.4.3.
315
hello, in today's world, many interactions between industry and HCP'S are electronic. Often, a client will ask a questions via email to their representative. Any specific regulations about representative having "email conversations" with their clients?
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Voir réponse [+]
As per section 6.6(ii) of the PAAB code, personal correspondences are exempt from PAAB preclesrance. See Q&A # 308 for more info and some caveats.
314
Hi Patrick. I would like to know if you would consider this tag line "Because every day is special" a claim that would require to be supported by data (our medication increases overall survival). Thanks alot for your answer :)
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Voir réponse [+]
This is a forum for Q&A on the general meaning and application of the PAAB Code of Advertising Acceptance and not for reviews. You may submit an opinion request for assessment on whether there is a way to revise the claim so as to render it consistent with the product's Terms of Market Authorization and data. See the fee schedule on the PAAB website and call our admin team if you have any questions.
313
Does an indication statement constitute a therapeutic benefit/claim or efficacy statement in and of itself? If so, can you confirm that any APS with the indication statement on it would require highest level fair balance?
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Voir réponse [+]
A piece with only the indication statement, would qualify for the lowest level fair balance. Please see the guidance document "Guidance on Generating the Three Base Fair Balance Levels" and "Guidance on Base Fair Balance Level Selection and Placement".
312
What are the steps to review and approved a website? Does the content of the site may be revised first as independent, indicating the titles subtitles, main menu, submenu, boutons, etc..? And then once approved texts, we submit the entire site with images of each page and approuved content.
Or should we submit from the first revision the entire website as one ASP needed to be revised with images of the design which will present content that not approuved?
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Voir réponse [+]
The PAAB cannot review off a live site. Therefore, the submission must clearly/fully describe all electronic functionalities. Generally speaking, if both languages are to be produced, we will review the English copy and layout and then ask for French translation.
The initial submission should include:
- a site map and wireframe
- a layout (if a layout cannot be provided at initial submission, a detailed wireframe must be provided).
- description of gating mechanism where relevant
- identification of all intra-site links and company/agent generated external links that direct to and away from the website (e.g. search engine marketing, banner ads, other websites, etc.);
- the site rules and monitoring/moderating policy (if the website offers user generated content functionality)
- keyword metatags and metadescriptors for search engine optimization (if the client is setting these).
If the website is large, split the site into modules (within the same eFile) which fit the system maximum document size of 20 MB. The file name for each module should correspond to the same numbering scheme used in the provided site map.
The layout requirement can generally be addressed by screen shots once the piece is near copy approval.
The following parts of a website are required to be separated into different eFiles:
- Segments of a website which are targeted for different regulatory audiences (i.e. HCP vs patient vs consumer)
Exception: The landing page on an HCP/patient website is accessible to the general public, but it may be submitted in the same eFile as the HCP/patient website
- Sections of a website pertaining to different products e.g. in a gated portion of company X's corporate site, there is a section for drug ABC advertising, a section for drug DEF advertising, and a section for drug GHI advertising. The section for ABC, DEF, and GHI should be submitted separately
- Standardized correspondences generated through participation in activities through the site (e.g. email/text messages)
- Documents available for download which are created by (or influenced by) the manufacturer/agent e.g. dose cards, product brochures, newsletters
311
If a disease state can cause mortality, but products in that class are not indicated to improve survival/ reduce mortality (they are indicated to treat the disease), can mortality be discussed in a disease context if the same piece also discusses therapy options (editorial piece), or in the case of a branded piece a specific product? Would their be a need to completely separate the discussion of mortality in a disease-only piece that would have to be discussed in a separate call from any branded messing or discussion of therapy?
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Voir réponse [+]
Disease info exceeding the indication may not appear in a product branded piece (even disease content is restricted by the authorized indication). In an unbranded piece, disease content in the context of discussion of product class/category should be within the TMA of at least one of the products within that particular class/category. Such outcomes must be discussed in a manner which is separate & distinct form drug therapy.
310
Can a third-party disease awareness pamphlet (e.g. sun safety, skin cancer awareness) be displayed at a product booth that also has branded product material attended by a sales representative?
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Voir réponse [+]
The key issue to consider here is whether the linkage between the product materials and the disease materials is appropriate. Your answer is "yes, provided the independently generated disease materials are not modified in any way and they are not overtly off-label
309
Is the definition of "TMA" equivalent to or broader than the Product monograph? Are in-vitro studies on the MOA of a drug or drug components submitted to and reviewed by Health Canada as part of the NDS acceptable for use as supporting reference to non-clinical claims in promotion materials (as data on file) even if the published reference is not in the actual bibliography of references in the PM?
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Voir réponse [+]
A product monograph (PM) is only one example of a terms of market authorization (TMA). For example, the Product License is another form of TMA used for natural health products and homeopathy products. Data on file (DOF) is generally not an acceptable reference to support claims in HCP advertising. In order for PAAB to approve DOF, there must be clear proof of acceptance of the DOF by Health Canada (e.g. inclusion in the PM). We do not presume that all content within the reference in question are approved by Health Canada merely by virtue of being submitted as part of the NDS. For products having a product monograph, the MOA in advertising should be within the limitations of content presented in the product monograph.
308
HI there, Could you please elaborate on the exempt nature of personal correspondence (i.e. email between HCP and rep)? Under what conditions does that correspondence require PAAB review?
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Voir réponse [+]
Advertising to HCPs other than that covered in section 6.6 of the PAAB code requires PAAB approval. The PAAB code section 6.6 defines "personal correspondence as" single letters carrying a personal response or message. BUT it goes on to explain that this exemption does not apply to multiple personal letters initiated by the company. It is important to note that this code section only exempts a piece from the process of preclearance. Note that this section of the PAAB code only exempts a piece from PAAB preclearance, it does not necessarily exempt it from the advertising provisions in the Food and Drugs Act. For example, a drug rep sending an email to an HCP about off-label use of his/her product may be found to have contravened the Food and Drugs Act (even though it was only sent to a single person). Use the Health Canada policy document "The Distinction Between Advertising and Other Activities" to determine whether it falls under the advertising provisions. The section on
"Unsolicited requests for information" will probably be particularly relevant to your question. Please do not hesitate to submit a written opinion to the PAAB if you'd like our thoughts on the specific activity you have in mind. Please refer to the fee schedule on our website wwww.paab.ca