Overview

• HHS is evaluating two measures: forcing television ads to spell out fuller side-effect warnings or stripping tax-deductible status from direct-to-consumer ad spending
• Drugmakers invested more than $10.8 billion in direct-to-consumer advertising in 2024, with nearly half of TV spots running on major news networks
• Broadcasters warn that longer, pricier commercials could undercut a crucial revenue stream for local stations and cable news channels
• PhRMA, the National Association of Broadcasters and other trade groups have threatened legal challenges, arguing that singling out pharmaceutical ads could set a precedent for other industries
• Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King introduced a bill this month to ban prescription drug ads outright, reflecting growing congressional pressure for tighter rules