Senators ask the agency to address the “regulatory loophole” permitting telehealth companies to promote prescription drugs without disclosing side effects and question if FDA has enforcement authority over third-party social media influencer promotions.

Panelists at a recent Duke-Margolis meeting cite growing use of native ads and patient influencers, as well as the limited attention given to presentation of risk information, in calling for a re-examination of how pharmaceutical promotion on digital platforms is regulated.

Careful identification and vetting of spokespersons, training on FDA regulations, and development of content that conveys the typical patient experience are keys to successful and compliant influencer campaigns, advertising, legal and regulatory experts told a recent DIA conference.

US FTC sends notices to more than 700 companies about penalties they will face if they use deceptive endorsements and testimonials to promote their products. Industry experts discuss impact of surprising action and cautions to take in teaming up with influencers.