PSM Calls on Internet Ad Networks to Adopt Stricter Policies for Pharmacy Advertisers

June 23, 2011 9:47 AM Topics: Internet pharmacy

The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) sent letters to 10 of the top Internet advertising networks, calling upon them to adopt policies specifying that sponsored advertisements from Internet pharmacies will only be accepted if the pharmacy is VIPPS^® (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites^CM) accredited. PSM notes that rogue Internet drug sites are now using social networks, in addition to spam e-mail messages and other online advertising, to promote their products. PSM also cites a recent comScore report indicating that “each of the top 15 online ad platforms reach at least 68 percent of all Americans monthly.” PSM sent letters to 10 of the ad platforms identified, urging them “to require VIPPS certification from any online pharmacy that wishes to advertise, and restrict those pharmacies to advertising only in the jurisdictions in which they are accredited.”