343 - We are planning market research with healthcare professionals to identify new marketing insights and opportunities. The research will be in the form of informal interviews/discussions with HCPs. Does the PAAB need to be involved with the research planning? This would be organized and conducted by an agency and the sponsoring client would only receive anonymous insights and findings. Does the answer depend on any of the following? If interview questions are provided to the HCP in advance vs. an impromptu discussion? If the interview/discussion covers specific products vs. only diseases.
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PAAB review of market research activities is not required. The activity itself should not be geared toward promotion of a product. Make sure you are following the industry ethics standards with respect to the research activity. You mentioned that your aim is to use the findings simply to help guide future strategic marketing decisions (i.e. internal uses). PAAB comes into the picture if you decide to use the findings as support for messages in drug advertising. In those cases, manufacturers/agencies sometimes submit a written opinion request (see PAAB website for fee schedule) to gain insight into whether the planned research type/method would be appropriate for the intended future advertising objectives. Also note that PAAB review is required if you intend to feed the results back to the participants.
