This report considers the current state of pharmaceutical marketing vis-à-vis ethical and legal standards and advocates measures to improve it. There is abundant evidence of unethical or illicit marketing. It fuels growing concerns about undue corporate influence over pharmaceutical research, education, and consumption.
The most extensive evidence of industry transgressions comes from the United States (US), where whistle-blowers are encouraged by financial rewards to help uncover illicit marketing and fraud. Outside the US increasing evidence of transgressions exists. Recently a range of new measures have been proposed to align pharmaceutical marketing practices with ethical and legal standards. These highlight the need for additional and more profound reforms to ensure that information about medicines supports quality and resource-efficient care.
Citation: Mulinari S. Unhealthy marketing of pharmaceutical products: An international public health concern. J Public Health Policy. 2016; 37(2):149-59.
Corporations and Health Watch 