VIEWS & REVIEWS

Call for independent drug education In the last decade there has been a dramatic

increase in drug manufacturer sponsorship of drug education. While this has provided many worthwhile opportunities, it is a situation that is potentially open to manipulation. Advertising and promotional material need to be easily identifiable.

Dr Kessler of the FDA has strongly emphasised the FDA position on this issue and has stated that the agency will not hesitate to take regulatory action should these educational activities be shown to be misleading, unbalanced or promotional. This applies to both individuals and institutions. He has asked for the assistance of physicians in ensuring the credibility of educational activities.

Because of it lack of resources, less developed countries may be at greater risk of manipulation. Independently managed foundations and trusts set up by drug companies provide a good environment for education without commercial bias. Drug promotion and education: an uncertain interface. WHO Drug Information 5: 105. No.3 1991 ",.

ISSN 0156-2703/92/020HX)()S/O$01.00/0 © AcIis ..... 1IIIiw1lll1Jd INPHARMA e 1 Feb 1992

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