Forum Update: Supporting Community-Led Discussion
The forum was created as a space for shared learning and peer support, and as the community grows, we want to lean more fully into that purpose.
Going forward, PAAB will be taking a more listening-first role in forum discussions. Rather than responding immediately to every question, we’ll be encouraging members to engage with one another, share experiences, and help build collective understanding. PAAB will continue to monitor conversations and will step in to:
- Correct any misunderstandings
- Provide guidance when questions remain unanswered after a few days
- Support discussions where official clarification is needed
Our goal is to foster a collaborative, trusted community where knowledge is shared and strengthened by everyone’s contributions.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
Submission of materials for informal market research
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Hello,
My understanding is that market research materials are not subject to PAAB review. Is this true for market research that is done informally, or is there formal guidance around what is considered market research?Hello @username
Let’s begin by setting a common understanding of what is market research (and what isn’t market research).
Market research has the sole purpose of pointing out and defining marketing opportunities and issues; generating, refining, and evaluating marketing programs; monitoring marketing performance; identifying patient and prescriber needs and improving understanding of the marketing process. The planning, implementation, evaluation, and utilization of market research should reflect that sole purpose. The activity is not considered market research if the purpose includes promotion of a health product (or the features/properties of that product). The content, its context and tone should reflect these facts as should the type and number of participants (and the nature of the agreement/contract where applicable). We invite you to refer to the “General Principles” section of the Distinction Document to determine whether the activity is potentially subject to advertising regulations (and consequently subject to PAAB preclearance if targeting HCPs). The IMC Code of Ethical Practices is an additional resource for standards/factors pertaining broadly to market research and for some specific examples of market research.
True market research is generally not considered subject to advertising regulations. And consequently, the PAAB Code standards and preclearance are not applicable. However, please note that some activities that are believed to be market research are actually promotional in nature. If there is any doubt, you are welcome to use the PAAB advisory opinion service to confirm whether any particular activity is indeed exempt from advertising regulations (see our fee schedule for more information).
Please note that communication of market research findings in advertising is subject to preclearance.
