A story out of the UK reports:
"Four of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies are proposing to launch a television station to tell the public about their drugs, amid strenuous lobbying across Europe by the industry for an end to restrictions aimed at protecting patients. Pharma TV would be a dedicated interactive digital channel funded by the industry with health news and features but, at its heart, would be detailed information from drug companies about their medicines."
Remember: Europe doesn't allow direct-to-consumer drug advertising as we wise Americans do. And drug companies have been fighting that European ad ban. The story explains:
"The industry has been lobbying in Europe to be allowed direct access to patients. It argues that lifting restrictions would help its competitiveness and has hinted that companies may relocate to the US, where they can advertise to patients who then demand drugs from their doctors. Profits have soared there as a result."
I would look forward to such Pharma TV specials as "Adventures with Avandia," "The Virtues of Vioxx," and "Everybody Loves Statins."
