The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) recently announced four new members of its Guiding Principles Independent Review Panel.The new panel will review trends in direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising as they relate to PhRMA’s voluntary Guiding Principles on Direct to Consumer Advertisements About Prescription Medicines. The principles were approved by PhRMA’s board of directors in July 2005 and became effective in January.

“The purpose of the panel is to provide transparent, unbiased analysis of the industrywide progress made in improving direct-to-consumer advertising consistent with the new guidelines,” says Billy Tauzin, PhRMA president and CEO. “America’s pharmaceutical research companies are committed to providing valuable information to consumers, which will then allow patients and providers to make better health care decisions.”

 …