26 - In section 6.1 of the PAAB Code is the following: Journal advertisements are designed to promote an advertiser's products to health professionals via the media of single [11.9] or multi-sponsored publications. Section 11.9 clarifies that: For purposes of this Code, Private/Single Sponsor Journals, newsletters and other publications are defined as any commissioned communication prepared or controlled by the manufacturer or its agent. When can a publication be considered a journal? I ask because I am interested in supporting a single-sponsor publication by placement of an ad, but am uncertain whether this publication is actually a journal or a service-oriented vehicle. Can I place a journal ad in a service-oriented vehicle?
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A medical journal is independently published on a regular, periodic basis. The nature of the content is approved by an advisory board e.g. cardiology information, and the editor is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the information that is provided and how it is presented. In single-sponsor journals, the sponsor usually has a vested interest in the nature of the content knowing that information about their products will appear. We have seen examples of independently produced single-sponsor journals, rarely. Usually there is a promotional element to them and that would require PAAB review. Placing advertising in a single-sponsored publication usually makes the whole thing advertising, based on a Health Canada policy on combining branded and non-branded information. You can place a previously PAAB-approved journal ad in a service-oriented vehicle during the 12 month clearance period, and we ask you to inform the PAAB that you are doing that. It does not require a new review if the ad has not been altered in any way. The PAAB may ask to see the whole thing for an opinion, because context of the advertisement is important. Similarly you can convert a journal ad into a detail aid during the clearance period, let us know. Any newly created ads or modifications of existing ads destined for a service-oriented vehicle would require PAAB review. You can call the PAAB for an opinion on the review requirement of a single-sponsor publication if you are intending to do one.