Pharmaceutical Marketing

Pharmaceutical marketing isn’t for the faint of heart; it requires thorough knowledge of FDA regulations, lots of lead time for quality assurance, and above all else, experience with the process. This post covers our top three recommendations for any company that plans to advertise products within the purview of the FDA.

1. FDA Approval is Paramount

Applications and uses described in pharmaceutical advertisements are strictly limited to those that have been pre-approved by the FDA. Off-label uses, even when they are backed by published studies in peer-reviewed journals, cannot be advertised without approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, any claims made in the advertisement will require a substantial disclosure that can take up anywhere from half a page to two or three pages. These disclaimers are required by the FDA and can add thousands of dollars to your ad cost—so be mindful and prudent of the claims you include in your ads.

2. Be Generous with Lead Time

Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising (DTCPA) is heavily regulated, especially when the product is considered a “new drug.” Because pharma ads are typically run through a quality assurance department chain to ensure they meet all regulations, you will need to give yourself plenty of lead team when creating these ads. Creating an ad and sending it off to print or broadcast the same day just doesn’t happen in the pharma marketing industry.

3. Choose an Agency with Experience

When it comes down to it, cost-effective and efficient pharma marketing requires experience. Unless you have the time to hand-hold an agency through the process, you should always look for a team that has a proven track record of successful advertisements—and thorough record-keeping practices. The FDA requirements are not for the light-hearted – you have to get creative with the limitations which requires years of experience.

Diace Designs has the experience you need to generate high-quality pharmaceutical advertisements. If you’re in need of a team that can help you navigate the complex process of pharma marketing, contact us. We’d be happy to help!

About Kara Franco
Kara writes copy that speaks. She has a knack for creating clear, compelling messages without wasting words. She is passionate about digital marketing and believes that copy is the cornerstone of user experience.

Copywriter + Content Strategist
Kara@diacedesigns.com