AstraZeneca discusses online marketing

AstraZeneca has discussed the effectiveness of online marketing for pharmaceutical companies.

In many countries, there are a lot of regulatory requirements in place that restrict the use of the web for the industry’s communications, explained a spokesperson from the healthcare business.

For example, he noted the UK has very strict rules regarding anything that looks like promoting or providing information to the general public about medicine uses.

If pharmaceutical companies were to start employing media channels such as YouTube or social networking sites, they would have to ensure the content only went to authorised audiences, the representative added.

He noted it was these restrictions that made the industry different to other sectors.

The spokesperson stated: “The final users that we research, develop and manufacture [medicine for], we are unable to communicate to.”

In conclusion, he asserted it was important for businesses in the field to educate people about how to safely and effectively utilise their products.

AstraZeneca develops, manufactures and sells treatments for cancer and infections, as well as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and inflammation problems.