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PAAB Q&A

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PAAB Notice
The responses, guidance, and advisories provided by the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board (PAAB), including but not limited to those available through the PAAB Forum, the PAAB website, and any PAAB correspondences, are specifically intended to assist individuals navigating the PAAB preclearance system. Repurposing or reproducing this content without written consent from the PAAB Commissioner is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, use in machine learning or AI models.

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    391 Posts
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    hi Paab! I would like to develop an APS to highlight all of the Rx products we have in our portfolio (all with the same indication). Provided I can find a compared prices must come from a single independent source (as described in question 438), would I be able to present the price as a unit cost? For example, the price of injectable pen X is $450 for 450 units, i.e. $1/unit.
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    57 Posts
    C
    @jennifer-carroll Thank you this helps!
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    7 Topics
    11 Posts
    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hello @abhi-patel While consumer advertising for Schedule D health products (e.g., vaccine), and ethical schedule health products fall within the scope of PAAB services, consumer advertising for OTC and NHP products does not. Please note that Health Professional directed advertising of these products falls within the scope of the PAAB Code.
  • 38 Topics
    56 Posts
    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hi @tk2022 Reprint holders are a common term we see in advertising for the “folder” which houses the reprint. This can be as simple as the brand name, study title, and fair balance, or house complex claim copy. The content that appears is at the discretion of the sponsor as long as it meets the advertising requirements. All requirements from Section 2 of the PAAB RWE Guidance would apply. Yes, it is applicable to virtual distributions. An unaccompanied (by any form of verbal or written information designed by or on behalf of the manufacturer for the purpose of promoting a health product) study reprint pdf in its original form (i.e. unaltered) is exempt from PAAB preclearance but not advertising regulations, however if additional verbal/written messages or context is added through the distribution channel, it may not be exempt as noted in our previous response. We suggest submitting for an opinion if you are unsure.
  • 84 Topics
    122 Posts
    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hey @maryssa The relevant standards of the PAAB Code of Advertising Acceptance are applicable to APS directed at HCPs and APS directed at patients when there is HCP involvement. This remains true regardless of how else the APS may be used. In questions 1 and 2, leaving physical copies of APS in an HCP's practice constitutes distribution involving the HCP. The HCP maintains full control over which materials are allowed to remain in their practice. It would be prudent, as a best practice, to seek permission from the HCP before leaving such materials in their practice. In question 3, the messaging is directed specifically to the HCP. The fact that the messaging is about a consumer campaign does not exempt it from the applicable provisions of the PAAB Code for the message itself. If inclusion of the DTC website/material is for awareness only, it would not subject to PAAB review. However, should there be copy that suggests the material is intended for consumption by the HCP or disseminated to patients through the HCP, e.g. “Tools and resources…”, “Learn more at…”, then the website/material would be subject to PAAB review. Conversely, in question 4, the HCP is receiving the message as a member of the general public. Therefore, the PAAB Code does not apply. While the question may be framed humorously (I would hope), the general public includes individuals from all walks of life, even HCPs. Don't forget the Advisory - APS in Patient Interaction Areas as well.
  • 70 Topics
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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hey @cscholes We understand that LinkedIn is an ungated platform and open to consumers. As such, the site is subject to consumer regulations similar to PF question 458 and is highly restricted for prescription advertising. Targeting to HCPs within the open platform may not guarantee that consumers won’t see the ad as well. Please also see this linked PF question and our Guidance on Gating Mechanisms for Healthcare Professional Targeted Digital Assets and subsequent clarification document Gating Mechanisms for HCP Digital Assets (designed in collaboration with Health Canada) regarding HCP validation. How HCPs are identified and verified, the nature of the targeting and how well it can limit the audience to only validated HCPs would be information that is required as part of the review process. PAAB will provide advice and direction based on the Health Canada DTC regulations, the PAAB code principles and the information that the sponsor can provide for the restriction of the intended HCP audience within this consumer space.
  • 174 Topics
    218 Posts
    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Apologies for the delay @SMurcar. We were in the process of upgrading the forum over the last two days. As the piece would be moving from two sided to one sided this would change the flow. The content in the top section may set context for the bottom section depending on the formatting and flow. We would suggest submitting for a minor update (if the resizing is intended to replace the small postcard altogether) so that we can assess the revised visual flow to ensure all aspects of the Code remain met. The addition of the QR code as described above could be considered as a minor update. Please see the Submission Guidelines for more information
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    124 Topics
    194 Posts
    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Good Morning @HollyMed Pooled data is not acceptable even if part of a pre-planned long-term extension study.
  • 60 Topics
    72 Posts
    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hey @dmauri Section 7.3 of the PAAB Code states “Advertising with Product Claim Link to Terms of Market Authorization: One of the following must appear prominently within the main advertising message of the APS: Electronic link(s) to the current TMA (and Health Canada endorsed risk communications issued since approval of the TMA, if relevant) URL(s) for a webpage containing the current TMA (and Health Canada endorsed risk communications issued since approval of the TMA, if relevant) accompanied by a statement that these documents are also available upon request through a stated phone number. The definition of “Terms of Market Authorization” can be found in the Code and reads as follows: Information in the Product Monograph, labeling and product license and the document that assigns a Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Health Product number (NPN) or homeopathic product number (DIN-HM), including related product labeling material and prescribing information, authorized by Health Canada. When a Product Monograph is the basis of authorization, it should be linked. If authorization was granted based on a Product License, providing a link to that document would meet the requirements of section 7.3. The TMA document would be the basis for review of the ad.
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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hey @vt Yes, you should ensure that the 4 criteria are still followed. These criteria still exist in the distinction document, they are just mentioned across the document and therefore not repeated in this section. For example, the “Content and Context Factors” section in the “Overview” states: • A message involving unauthorized health products or unauthorized indications, in a context such as educational activities, may be considered promotional if: • the message does not caution that the product’s safety and effectiveness are still under investigation and that Health Canada has not yet granted market authorization Within the Educational Activities section, things that could make the piece promotional are: • The limitations of the data and of the health products are not adequately discussed • Reports, edited scripts or recorded videos of the proceedings, in whole or in part, that concern a health product are disseminated by the sponsor or its agent to a wider audience These are in addition to the copy under the revised heading of “Canadian and International Conferences”. In general, if it is a Canadian conference, the content should be created by the Canadian office. If it is an international conference, the content should be created by the parent company and should be adequately disclaimed. Remember that the distinction document is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but a set of guiding principles with examples throughout to help assess context and content. The examples in the “Overview” section should be considered when evaluating individual activities.
  • Combining RMM and Branded Materials

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hi @supraja When a Risk Management Measure/Tool (RMM/T) is intended to be distributed with any other PAAB reviewed pieces, the entire package is considered in context and should be submitted as a separate PAAB review/opinion. We are unable to comment on the compliance of the proposed APS without assessing the content of the APS and suggest submitting for review or an opinion. During the review, we would be able to provide advice on the acceptability of the APS content and its linkages. Any folder intended to be combined with an RMM/T is also subject to PAAB review. Please see our guidance document on RMM/RMTs for context of use and other information.
  • Patient Images in HCP and Patient Materials

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hi @supraja In general, actual patient images may be used in HCP materials. Please see the following PAAB Forum post Q&A for additional details. For patient materials, actual images may also be used with a disclaimer when consistent with part 3 of the product monograph but with a caveat. Patient materials may not contain promotional claims as per code section 6. Patient images will not be accepted if they are determined to be promotional.
  • RWE Presentation

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    @llmktg Graphs and tables that are informational in nature are generally not considered creative imagery. Creative imagery usually refers to visuals such as photos or images that are often intended to accompany a claim of benefit or to infer a claim of benefit.
  • Question Regarding Validating Manufacturer Contact

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    @sean-cai Hi Sean.cai. The development of the Renewal Management Dashboard was done in collaboration with both an agency committee and a manufacturer committee. On page four of the attached Renewals Management Dashboard Guide, found on the Renewals Management Dashboard page of the PAAB website, the process for batching and notification settings is identified to address your concerns about email volume.
  • Pre-NOC Submissions

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hello @gmc Please see Appendix A for turn around times. Turn around post approval is impacted by the final approved PM and if it is different from the PM in the previous round of review. Whether ARO is available for additional pieces would depend on the ARO requirements (i.e. length, new content, etc.).
  • Conference booth regulations

    off-label conference booth
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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    @charlton The proposed plan does not necessarily contravene the PAAB Code provided the messaging in those advertising materials are within the limitations of the product’s label. However, there is more than the PAAB Code to consider here. While the materials may be designed in a manner that meets the applicable standards of the PAAB Code, use of those materials in the proposed context may trigger activities/discussions that fall within the scope of federal regulations despite falling outside of the PAAB Code’s scope. Consequently, it may be prudent to pause and consider whether this proposed approach fits the company’s risk profile from the perspective of broader federal regulations. For example, it may be challenging to manage risks related to the conference context. As is always the case, sales reps operating the booth must not discuss off-label uses (even in response to requests for such information as this reactive discussion would be taking place in a promotional context that is subject to federal advertising regulations). The more challenging nuance, relating to this case specifically, may be that it would be difficult to direct attendees to the medical booth without appearing to have intended to trigger that off-label discussion all along. This would likely disqualify the off-label discussion from the federal advertising regulation exemption relating to “unsolicited” requests. Additionally, please be reminded that in-person branded booths should not include or be linked in some manner, to unbranded editorial material, exempt material, press releases, learning sessions, etc. The same principles apply for digital conferences with digital linkages, targeting, etc. as well. Please see our Digital conferences document for other considerations.
  • Schedule 2 products, DTC, and linkage oh my!

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    @username Hello. As the example does not specify the product, we are unable to answer the question directly. The product, therapeutic area and Health Canada product schedule will determine which regulations apply in the DTC space. We direct you to the Food and Drugs regulations and the document Guidance Document: Schedule A and Section 3 to the Food and Drugs Act. It will provide clarification on advertising restrictions to the general public. Please note section 3 and 2.3 of the document regarding Schedule A diseases in advertising. Linking a DTC website even to an unedited PM may be a violation of the regulations depending on the therapeutic area. We suggest contacting PAAB for a general question call should you need further clarification. Please also note that the DTC site is considered promotional advertising so the Distinction document does not apply in this scenario.
  • Manufacturing video exemption

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hello @username 1.4D states: “The Code applies to all Advertising/Promotion Systems and corporate messages directed to licensed members of the professions of medicine, dentistry, naturopathy, homeopathy, nursing, pharmacy and related health disciplines, to institutions, and to patient information that will be distributed by or recommended by a healthcare professional.” Please also see Code section 7.4 for direction of corporate advertising. The Code also states that a corporate message may be considered exempt if it meets 1.5E “Corporate Messages that do not Contain Product Information or Product Lists”. The Distinction Between Advertising and Other Activities states: *Corporate messages - A corporate message is a communication (such as a website, brochure, published article, prospectus or annual report) that gives information about a health product manufacturer or organization. This information could be on the philosophy, activities, product range (by name), financial details and/or area of future development or research. Corporate messages, or information disseminated through corporate messages, may be considered promotional if: they seem to provide information about the health products being marketed, developed or researched rather than the manufacturer or organization there is far more information about the health product being marketed, developed or researched than simply its name and the therapeutic area in the case of unauthorized drugs or an unauthorized indication, there is no mention that the product's safety and efficacy is still under investigation and that Health Canada has not yet granted market authorization* Given that we do not know the specifics of the content, it is hard to say if this would qualify as an exempt or non-promotional message. It seems probable that a discussion around manufacturing practices and processes may have implications for brands (e.g., manufacturing process of monoclonal antibodies could easily have implications for the safety and efficacy of the brands mentioned and linked on the parent company website) rather than the manufacturer’s philosophy, activities, or areas of future research and development. We would recommend submitting for an opinion. As a courtesy, if it requires review and you know you will proceed with that review should that be the case, we suggest including something similar to “If this does not meet exemption criteria we would like to proceed with a full review” in the cover letter so as to not incur a new file new fee upon submission for review (see PAAB Policy and Procedure for Exemption Requests). You may also find Q&A 440 helpful.
  • PAAB Renewals/Resubmissions

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    @jennifer-carroll Thank you very much for your response. We will submit the formal request.
  • Pre-NOC and fair balance submissions

    fair balance pre-noc
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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    @supraja yep.
  • Non-clinical Headline

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hey @arat101 It is hard to answer this question without the context of the headline copy. As both pieces are branded, we would assume that the claim has been accepted in the context of the brand. A consideration is that content written for consumers (who you cannot promote its therapeutic use for Schedule F drugs) can sometimes be inappropriate for HCP advertising since HCPs would link the message with the therapeutic use, which could change the meaning of the statement. This could impact acceptability of use in HCP pieces.
  • Fair Balance

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Good Morning @marta Brand-specific "fair balance" as a term outlined by PAAB, is in reference to promotion of a healthcare product. Unbranded material should not place emphasis on information specifically about the sponsor’s product(s) as this would render the piece branded. Fair balance is inherently branded as it is specific to the brand and would make mention of the brand. There is no way to put brand-specific “fair balance” on an unbranded piece. This should not be confused with the requirement for the piece to be balanced and complete. An unbranded piece should still be balanced.
  • PAAB submission guidance on Paid Social Ads

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    @jennifer-carroll Hi Jennifer, thank you for your detailed response. I was simply wondering if there was an example of a paid social submission provided in any of the online guidance resources. From your response, I don't believe there are any. thank you
  • PAAB submission primary audience as patient

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hello @tayyeba The PAAB Code applies to advertising directed to HCPs and information provided to patients through an HCP. Direct to consumer advertising of healthcare products and is reviewed against the Food and Drug Act and Food and Drug Regulations. Both PAAB and Ad Standards can provide this review. When the primary audience is patients, it should be reviewed by PAAB. If it will also be visible to consumers, this should be disclosed to PAAB at the time of review. PAAB can concurrently provide a DTC review (i.e. the piece would be subject to the applicable sections of the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, policy and guidance documents pertaining to advertising, and the PAAB Code). Regardless of who reviews the content, it should be sent to Health Canada by the respective agency per Health Canada’s request to see all DTC advertising.
  • Combining two PAAB-approved jobs into one

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    @jennifer-carroll Thanks very much for your feedback.
  • Unbranded patient material at a branded conference booth

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    W
    @jennifer-carroll thank you for your input!
  • Can patient feedback on PSP be added to veeva approved email?

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hey @nimisha We are assuming that you mean “a resource in Veeva which is a PAAB approved HCP email”. If so, yes, it is possible to use patient feedback. Claims should be limited to the program features. If it’s a branded PSP, copy may have implications for the brand. Additional nuances may arise during the review process.
  • Possibility of a secondary audience

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Hello @nimisha In the scenario described above, the HCP is the secondary audience. Why do we say that? We say that because a brochure intended to be shared with a patient should be written in patient friendly language (content is based off part III of the TMA). A HCP should not be detailed to off a patient brochure. They are the secondary audience as they will see the brochure before handing it to the patient, but they’ll be viewing it with the understanding that it is patient information. Depending on where the holder is intended to be placed, you may also need to consider the consumer regulations. For example, if the holder is intended to be placed in a context that is visible to anyone who enters the examination room, then any openly visible element on the holder (and any exposed section of the brochure) must not exceed the consumer regulations (see Q&A 240 for additional guidance).
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  • DTC for NOC/c?

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    Jennifer CarrollJ
    Happy Friday @username The status of NOC/c does not impact which DTC regulations are applicable.