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A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to restrict direct-to-consumer drug advertising.

2/7/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 483

Bill 119 s 483, also known as the "Direct-to-Consumer Drug Advertising Restriction Act," is a proposed amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The purpose of this bill is to limit the advertising of prescription drugs directly to consumers.

If passed, this legislation would impose restrictions on pharmaceutical companies' ability to advertise their prescription drugs to the general public. Currently, these companies are allowed to promote their products through various media channels, such as television, radio, and print advertisements. However, critics argue that these ads can be misleading and may lead to unnecessary or inappropriate use of prescription medications.

Under the provisions of Bill 119 s 483, pharmaceutical companies would be required to provide more detailed information about the risks and benefits of their drugs in any direct-to-consumer advertising. This would include disclosing potential side effects, contraindications, and other important safety information. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the use of certain marketing tactics that could potentially mislead consumers about the effectiveness or safety of a particular drug. Supporters of the bill argue that these restrictions are necessary to protect consumers from potentially harmful or misleading advertising practices. They believe that by providing more transparent and accurate information about prescription drugs, patients will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Opponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that restricting direct-to-consumer drug advertising could limit patients' access to important information about treatment options. They also argue that these restrictions could have a negative impact on the pharmaceutical industry and innovation in drug development. Overall, Bill 119 s 483 aims to strike a balance between protecting consumers from misleading advertising practices and ensuring that patients have access to accurate and transparent information about prescription drugs. The bill is currently under consideration in the US Congress, and its fate will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in the coming months.

Congressional Summary of S 483

Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act of 2025

This bill prohibits direct-to-consumer advertising of new drugs during the first three years following their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Direct-to-consumer advertising includes advertising via social media. 

Upon request from a drug’s sponsor, the FDA may waive the prohibition during the third year following a drug’s approval if it determines that the direct-to-consumer advertising of the drug would have an affirmative value to public health. Conversely, the FDA may prohibit such advertising beyond the three-year period following approval if it determines that the drug has significant adverse health effects based on post-approval studies, adverse event reports, and other appropriate resources. 

The prohibition applies to new drugs approved beginning one year before the bill’s enactment.

Current Status of Bill S 483

Bill S 483 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 6, 2025. Bill S 483 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 6, 2025.  Bill S 483's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of February 6, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 483

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
1
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 483

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 483

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to restrict direct-to-consumer drug advertising.
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to restrict direct-to-consumer drug advertising.

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