Social media advertising for OTC products

A German marketing authorization holder is planning a completely revamped website for its OTC products and the use of various social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) in order to be more present and address customers more directly.

Together, we developed an advertising strategy to make a lasting impression on social media as well as in traditional print and TV advertising and still be compliant with all legal requirements.

Sample dispatch and sample delivery

A Swiss company with a wholesale license was looking for new solutions in connection with the dispatch of pharmaceutical samples and the drafting of internal guidelines for the distribution of samples to pharmacies and drugstores.

We supported the company in choosing a transport service provider and drew up contracts to ensure that the transport complied with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and that the medicines were not damaged.

Together, we drew up internal guidelines (Standard Operating Procedure, SOP) that set out simply and clearly the quantities in which specialist and public samples can be dispensed to drugstore and pharmacy specialists in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance on the Advertising of Medicinal Products (AWV). This has enabled the company to simplify its processes and ensure that samples are dispensed in accordance with Swiss law.

Presentations for training courses

A large pharmaceutical company offers training courses on the handling of its medicines for specialists such as doctors, pharmacists and medical practice and nursing staff. The company approached us to review the implementation and content of the training.

We analyzed the training material, particularly with regard to the requirements of the German Drug Advertising Ordinance, the VITH and the Pharma Code, but also with regard to competition law. Together, we created a guide including a checklist - also for future training courses - to ensure that future training courses are also designed to be compliant.

Pharmaceutical marketing on the Internet

A marketing authorization holder and pharmaceutical manufacturer redesigned its website as part of its marketing strategy. We were able to support them in developing the content to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. In addition to its convincing external image, the company has thus strengthened its compliance and sensitized the marketing department to pharmaceutical advertising.

Specialist advertising

Compliance and sensitization field service

After updating its product advertising for doctors, a marketing authorization holder requested a legal review of the brochures and documents. We ensured that the advertising content complied with the pharmaceutical advertising regulations and was in line with the information for healthcare professionals. With our many years of experience in advising on pharmaceutical advertising, both for specialists and for the general public, we support marketing departments and the sales force in expanding pharmaceutical advertising compliance with pragmatic solutions.

Financing a health podcast

A pharmaceutical company wanted to financially support the realization of a podcast on health topics. We were able to advise those responsible in matters relating to pharmaceutical law in order to implement this project. In particular, we had to clarify to what extent and under what conditions the podcast could be supported in compliance with legal integrity and transparency regulations.

Patient leaflet and website

A marketing authorization holder was planning to redesign its website and a patient leaflet for healthcare professionals for one of its herbal medicinal products. In particular, the question arose as to the extent to which websites and patient leaflets for OTC products may contain information on dosage and use.

We worked with the company to review its redesigned website and ensure that it complied with all the requirements of the Medicinal Products Advertising Ordinance. Together, we also formulated a new patient leaflet that doctors can give to their patients.

Sports sponsorship

Tension between pharmaceutical advertising and sports sponsorship

As part of its nationwide promotion concept for sporting activities, a marketing authorization holder for medicinal products was considering a specific sports sponsorship. We supported them in the specific design to ensure compliance with all legal requirements in the area of pharmaceutical advertising.

The standardized sponsorship packages provided for publication on the sponsorship recipient's website. Together, we developed a concept to adapt the specific presentation so that it is permissible as image advertising and as brand advertising for the product.

The sponsorship also enabled the marketing authorization holder to use the logo of the sponsorship recipient in its own advertising. Information in words and images was designed in such a way that the regulations for advertising to the public were complied with.

Website for Rx drugs

A foreign marketing authorization holder was planning to authorize and launch a new prescription drug in dermatology in Switzerland. Together, we developed an approval strategy and a campaign for specialist advertising. This involved creating a new website for dermatologists and direct advertising materials. We reviewed the legal aspects of this password-protected website, from the brief specialist information to the authoritative privacy policy for Switzerland.

The content of the website and the advertising materials were checked and designed to be compliant - and yet interesting - particularly with regard to the high requirements of the German Drug Advertising Ordinance.

The website went live successfully and on schedule and the advertising material was sent out on time.

Advertising campaign and vouchers for medicines

A company in the homeopathy sector was planning a new advertising campaign for non-prescription medicines. In addition to the distribution of drug samples, this campaign was also to include the distribution of vouchers.

The company had specific wishes regarding the design of the documents and a limited budget. Together, we were able to pragmatically design a comprehensive advertising campaign and launch it in time for the market launch.

We also advised the company on the design of the vouchers so that they comply with the requirements of Swissmedic and the Medicinal Products Advertising Ordinance (AWV).