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Econometer: Should the US ban drug advertising to consumers?
Econometer: Should the US ban drug advertising to consumers?

Miami Herald

timea day ago

  • Health
  • Miami Herald

Econometer: Should the US ban drug advertising to consumers?

The U.S. is rare among Western nations because it allows pharmaceutical advertising. But a new effort aims to stop it. A bill was introduced in Congress recently that would ban pharmaceutical manufacturers from using direct-to-consumer advertising, from TV to social media, to promote their products. Prescription drug advertising employs a lot of people, directly and indirectly. Billions are spent on advertising each year, employing advertising workers, and 24.4% of ad minutes were for prescription drugs across evening news programs on ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and NBC this year through May, according to data from iSpot analyzed by The Wall Street Journal. Proponents of the bill say advertising drives up the cost of prescription goods. Pharmaceutical trade groups have said advertisements serve public health by increasing disease awareness and educating consumers about treatment options. Question:Should the U.S. ban drug advertising to consumers? Economists Alan Gin, University of San Diego YES: Advertising is supposed to give consumers more information about products, but are consumers really in a position to make an informed decision about pharmaceuticals? Those decisions are best left to physicians, who probably have more knowledge about the effectiveness of medications. Consumers can be swayed by slick and repetitive ads into wanting products that might not be the best for them. The money spent on the ads will add to the already high price of the drugs. James Hamilton, UC San Diego NO: Proponents of a ban argue that ads cause people to request unnecessary drugs. But advertisements helped several of my friends learn about options that they didn't know were available. I'm also concerned any time the government dictates what companies are allowed to talk about. It's appropriate to ensure ads do not make inaccurate claims. And doctors should always say no if patients request a prescription that the doctor does not believe is going to help them. Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Advertising specific drugs leads to overprescribing, higher drug and insurance prices, and creates bad incentives, like promoting the most profitable drugs. Because insurance limits consumer costs, more prescription drugs are purchased than needed or used. If the goal is to share important information, industry groups can promote a range of treatments for a condition, leaving discussions of individual products to medical professionals. Drugs also carry risks that are not easily captured in 30 seconds. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research NO: Firms do not advertise to raise costs but engage in marketing to inform the public (especially doctors writing prescriptions) of the drug's usefulness. Without marketing, firms would be unable to get information out necessary to make a drug salable in the first place. The drug's value is decided by the marketplace with consumers driving the entire process. Value of advertising is derived from the value consumers place on the drug, not the other way around. Norm Miller, University of San Diego NO: While most physicians try to keep up on the latest drug research, some do not, thus the need for public information about new drugs. What should be mandatory in ads are their efficacy, side effects and potential for addiction, using FDA verified stats. Lies and exaggerations should be illegal. It should also be illegal for drug manufacturers to incentivize or pay doctors for prescribing any drug, and physicians that take such gifts should lose their license. Ray Major, economist YES: Every ad starts with or ends with "ask your doctor if this drug is right for you." Prescription drug advertisement targets consumers hoping they ask their doctor for a specific brand of drug. Consumers are not qualified to self diagnose symptoms and prescribe drugs to themselves based on information from a commercial. Doctors should be prescribing drugs based on a patients' needs and not influenced by patients who have seen an ad for a prescription drug. David Ely, San Diego State University NO: Commercial speech by pharmaceutical companies that is truthful and informative should be protected. A ban on drug advertising goes too far. A better option is enhanced regulation by the FDA and FTC to ensure that the risks and effectiveness of prescription drugs are accurately communicated in advertising to the public. Under a ban, resources would be shifted to increased promotional efforts targeting health care providers so the cost of prescription goods may not decline. Executives Gary London, London Moeder Advisors NO: I am not a big fan of drug advertisements, but unlike cigarette ads, which clearly promoted sickness for generations, at least drugs are lifesaving. The government should not get involved. However, I have never fully understood why pharmaceutical companies promote directly to patients rather than physicians. They complicate medical care. Be that as it may, these advertisements certainly prop up the cable channels, who need the revenue. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates YES: The U.S. and New Zealand are the only countries that allow pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to consumers. Drug ads often downplay the risks, leading to uninformed decisions. Ads can push consumers toward brand-name drugs, even when cheaper alternatives exist. Also, patients may request unnecessary medications, pressuring doctors to prescribe them. Sure, ads can educate, lead to earlier diagnosis, and boost the economy! But let's limit ads during the first few years of release. Phil Blair, Manpower NO: They are a product like any other. With artificial intelligence, clients and patients can educate themselves on various options just like they do with other products. Of course, they should heed their doctors' advice. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: Drugmakers spent $10 billion on direct-to-consumer ads last year. These costs are ultimately reflected in the world's highest per-capita health care bill, with relatively poor health outcomes. Slick spots encourage viewers to "ask your doctor" for brands even when cheaper generics accomplish the same goal. Treatment decisions should be based on clinical evidence, not marketing budgets. Pharma could shift a fraction of this outreach to physician education so that patients will still learn about therapies from an informed source. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: Absolutely. The cost of pharmaceuticals has become prohibitive to patients and providers like hospitals, and the huge cost of advertising is wrapped into those costs. While we want informed patients, pharmaceutical education should be handled by patients' physicians, not a jingle on TV. Advertising also can be misleading and increase the cost of drugs to taxpayers - which is why many countries prohibit advertising. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While I don't enjoy watching the litany of drug advertisements consistently shown on family programming, I don't support a blanket ban. Instead, drug advertising should follow the model currently allowed to cigarette advertising: prohibit ads on TV and radio but allow other forms of advertising with appropriate limitations and regulations. While raising awareness of available treatments can be beneficial, the current barrage of drug advertising is excessive and likely leads to over prescription and increased health care costs. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.

Curebound Challenges San Diego to Help Raise Vital Funding Amid Billions in Federal Grant Cuts that Threaten Cancer Research
Curebound Challenges San Diego to Help Raise Vital Funding Amid Billions in Federal Grant Cuts that Threaten Cancer Research

Yahoo

time12-06-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Curebound Challenges San Diego to Help Raise Vital Funding Amid Billions in Federal Grant Cuts that Threaten Cancer Research

Curebound launches all-new Curebound Cancer Challenge event and calls on individuals, corporations, and philanthropists to join together to support innovative cancer research as federal grants evaporate and scientists brace for more cuts next year SAN DIEGO, June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cancer research and the scientists conducting vital studies are facing an uncertain financial future. National Institutes of Health (NIH) slashed $1.81 billion in federal agency grants in 2025, according to an analysis published in JAMA1 (NBC News, 2025). Nearly 700 grants across 24 NIH institutes were affected, covering research on cancer, aging, diabetes and more. The federal administration has also proposed a 40% cut to NIH's 2026 budget2 (Reuters, 2025). Curebound, a philanthropic organization that invests in cancer research with the power to save lives, is committed to raising the funds needed to ensure the significant momentum in cancer research continues. Last month, Curebound's Concert for Cures: Elton John event at Petco Park raised $11.5 million, and Curebound continues the battle with an all-new Curebound Cancer Challenge on August 2 at UC San Diego. At Curebound Cancer Challenge (formerly Padres Pedal the Cause), Curebound invites San Diego's diverse communities to support important cancer research with a challenge to run, bike, walk, or spin and celebrate progress with an elevated fundraising experience. By increasing collaboration among philanthropists, corporations, those impacted by cancer, and the public, Curebound is focused on fostering community unity and a spirit of collaboration to accelerate cancer research into cures. The Curebound Cancer Challenge features three world-class 25 to 75-mile bike routes along San Diego's Torrey Pines coastline, a family friendly 5K, a new 10K run, 50-minute spin classes, entertainment, family activities and a team village where fundraising teams can gather and celebrate their fundraising efforts. This year, Challenge team signups are outpacing last year's with 130+ stepping forward to fundraise and support the most innovative cancer studies today. The Challenge is part of Curebound's ultimate goal of investing $100 million across early-stage cancer studies anchored in San Diego, with the potential to spread nationally through scientific collaborations. Every dollar donated will help fund pioneering cancer research among San Diego's top scientists and institutions including UC San Diego, Salk Institute, Sanford-Burnham Prebys, La Jolla Institute of Immunology and Scripps Research. Curebound CEO Anne Marbarger says, "Curebound has received a record number of research grant funding applications this year – due in large part to the current and potential federal agency cuts. With these cuts, many cancer studies will be reduced or eliminated, setting us back as we work to accelerate cures for cancer. The stakes are high. Now more than ever, we need to raise more and fund more. People with cancer can't afford to wait for federal budgets, court orders or maybes." Victor Manzanilla, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and Cancer Challenge Team Captain, says, "So many on our Edward Jones team have been affected by this disease. We are committed to doing what we can to lead in the fight against cancer – and that starts here at home in San Diego. We invite our fellow business leaders and their teams to join us on August 2 at UC San Diego and be part of this incredible effort to fund cutting-edge cancer research." Curebound Cancer Challenge is attracting corporate and institutional support from Edward Jones San Diego, UC San Diego, Janux Therapeutics, Vividion Therapeutics, JP Morgan, Lusardi Construction, Pfizer, Resmed, Thermo Fisher Scientific, BD, CBRE, Dexcom, Illumina, Genentech, Ranch & Coast, San Diego Self Storage, Koman Family Foundation, Maravai Life Sciences, WE O'Neil Construction, and Bernstein Private Wealth Management. For more information about how to get involved with the Curebound Cancer Challenge, contact Liz DeGeronimo at liz@ Register for Curebound Cancer Challenge. Early-bird incentives end June 15. About Curebound Curebound is a philanthropic organization that invests in cancer research with the power to save lives. Through collaborative grants, corporate partnerships, and strategic investments, Curebound's aim is to significantly accelerate better prevention, detection, and treatments for cancer. Headquartered in the major U.S. biotech hub of San Diego, amid 3,000+ life sciences companies, leading health systems, and world-class research institutions, Curebound partners with these organizations to forge interdisciplinary collaboration, foster knowledge sharing, and fund pioneering cancer research. So far, Curebound has funded $43+ million in cancer research, awarding 143 study grants for 23 types of pediatric and adult cancers with one vision: cures in our lifetime. Join us - View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Hilary McCarthy774.364.1440Hilary@ Sign in to access your portfolio

Curebound Challenges San Diego to Help Raise Vital Funding Amid Billions in Federal Grant Cuts that Threaten Cancer Research
Curebound Challenges San Diego to Help Raise Vital Funding Amid Billions in Federal Grant Cuts that Threaten Cancer Research

Business Wire

time12-06-2025

  • Health
  • Business Wire

Curebound Challenges San Diego to Help Raise Vital Funding Amid Billions in Federal Grant Cuts that Threaten Cancer Research

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cancer research and the scientists conducting vital studies are facing an uncertain financial future. National Institutes of Health (NIH) slashed $1.81 billion in federal agency grants in 2025, according to an analysis published in JAMA 1 (NBC News, 2025). Nearly 700 grants across 24 NIH institutes were affected, covering research on cancer, aging, diabetes and more. The federal administration has also proposed a 40% cut to NIH's 2026 budget 2 (Reuters, 2025). 'The stakes are high. Now more than ever, we need to raise more and fund more. People with cancer can't afford to wait for federal budgets, court orders or maybes," says Curebound CEO Anne Marbarger. Curebound, a philanthropic organization that invests in cancer research with the power to save lives, is committed to raising the funds needed to ensure the significant momentum in cancer research continues. Last month, Curebound's Concert for Cures: Elton John event at Petco Park raised $11.5 million, and Curebound continues the battle with an all-new Curebound Cancer Challenge on August 2 at UC San Diego. At Curebound Cancer Challenge (formerly Padres Pedal the Cause), Curebound invites San Diego's diverse communities to support important cancer research with a challenge to run, bike, walk, or spin and celebrate progress with an elevated fundraising experience. By increasing collaboration among philanthropists, corporations, those impacted by cancer, and the public, Curebound is focused on fostering community unity and a spirit of collaboration to accelerate cancer research into cures. The Curebound Cancer Challenge features three world-class 25 to 75-mile bike routes along San Diego's Torrey Pines coastline, a family friendly 5K, a new 10K run, 50-minute spin classes, entertainment, family activities and a team village where fundraising teams can gather and celebrate their fundraising efforts. This year, Challenge team signups are outpacing last year's with 130+ stepping forward to fundraise and support the most innovative cancer studies today. The Challenge is part of Curebound's ultimate goal of investing $100 million across early-stage cancer studies anchored in San Diego, with the potential to spread nationally through scientific collaborations. Every dollar donated will help fund pioneering cancer research among San Diego's top scientists and institutions including UC San Diego, Salk Institute, Sanford-Burnham Prebys, La Jolla Institute of Immunology and Scripps Research. Curebound CEO Anne Marbarger says, 'Curebound has received a record number of research grant funding applications this year – due in large part to the current and potential federal agency cuts. With these cuts, many cancer studies will be reduced or eliminated, setting us back as we work to accelerate cures for cancer. The stakes are high. Now more than ever, we need to raise more and fund more. People with cancer can't afford to wait for federal budgets, court orders or maybes.' Victor Manzanilla, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and Cancer Challenge Team Captain, says, 'So many on our Edward Jones team have been affected by this disease. We are committed to doing what we can to lead in the fight against cancer – and that starts here at home in San Diego. We invite our fellow business leaders and their teams to join us on August 2 at UC San Diego and be part of this incredible effort to fund cutting-edge cancer research.' Curebound Cancer Challenge is attracting corporate and institutional support from Edward Jones San Diego, UC San Diego, Janux Therapeutics, Vividion Therapeutics, JP Morgan, Lusardi Construction, Pfizer, Resmed, Thermo Fisher Scientific, BD, CBRE, Dexcom, Illumina, Genentech, Ranch & Coast, San Diego Self Storage, Koman Family Foundation, Maravai Life Sciences, WE O'Neil Construction, and Bernstein Private Wealth Management. For more information about how to get involved with the Curebound Cancer Challenge, contact Liz DeGeronimo at liz@ Register for Curebound Cancer Challenge. Early-bird incentives end June 15. About Curebound Curebound is a philanthropic organization that invests in cancer research with the power to save lives. Through collaborative grants, corporate partnerships, and strategic investments, Curebound's aim is to significantly accelerate better prevention, detection, and treatments for cancer. Headquartered in the major U.S. biotech hub of San Diego, amid 3,000+ life sciences companies, leading health systems, and world-class research institutions, Curebound partners with these organizations to forge interdisciplinary collaboration, foster knowledge sharing, and fund pioneering cancer research. So far, Curebound has funded $43+ million in cancer research, awarding 143 study grants for 23 types of pediatric and adult cancers with one vision: cures in our lifetime. Join us -

Alzheimer's research at risk as diagnoses rise
Alzheimer's research at risk as diagnoses rise

Axios

time11-06-2025

  • Health
  • Axios

Alzheimer's research at risk as diagnoses rise

More than 7 million American seniors now live with Alzheimer's disease — the highest number ever recorded, according to 2025 data shared in a new Alzheimer's Association report. Why it matters: As Alzheimer's diagnoses rise, the federal funding for medical research that's critical to preventing and treating it is at risk of being cut. State of play: Over 17,300 Californians die from Alzheimer's every year, but addressing cognitive decline early can help stave off the disease. That's especially important with San Diego County's growing senior population — about 16% of residents. Zoom in: The odds of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's is higher in San Diego than many other parts of the country, at least in part because of the local hospital system. That doesn't necessarily mean more people have the disease, but more thorough diagnosing can lead to more cases, better care, new tests and treatments. Between the lines: UC San Diego has the top NIH-funded neuroscience department in the country, and the university's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center is developing potential treatments, monitoring drug safety and running clinical trials aimed at prevention. That federal funding is at risk of being pulled, which center director Jim Brewer has said would "absolutely cut the knees out" and could delay progress in addressing the disease, particularly through clinical trials. The latest: The FDA on Friday cleared the first blood test to help diagnose the disease, which could help with early detection. By the numbers: About 12% of Californians over 65 are living with Alzheimer's, per 2020 data in the report. That's almost 720,000 people. At 15%, Imperial County had the ninth-highest prevalence in the country. Zoom out: The highest rates of seniors with Alzheimer's are in D.C. (16.8%), Maryland (12.9%) and New York (12.7%), according to the association. Nearly two-thirds of all Americans diagnosed with the disease are women, per data cited in the report. UCSD researchers are currently trying to figure out why. Warning signs to watch for in high-risk age groups: Trouble finding the right word. Difficulty judging distances. Misplacing things and struggling to retrace steps. Be smart: Keeping your brain on its toes, so to speak, can help prevent dementia.

Cannabis use among seniors continues to rise — and so do the health risks
Cannabis use among seniors continues to rise — and so do the health risks

New York Post

time04-06-2025

  • Health
  • New York Post

Cannabis use among seniors continues to rise — and so do the health risks

Advertisement New data has revealed that cannabis use among older adults is at an all-time high. Researchers at UC San Diego and NYU discovered that marijuana use by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to an NYU press release. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, as well as for medicinal therapies, accessibility to the drug is more widespread, particularly among aging adults. The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 7% of 15,000 adults in this age range reported using cannabis in the last month, according to 2023 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Advertisement This was an increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022. While marijuana use surged in both men and women, it was more prevalent among women. 6 Marijuana use by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023. Hector – The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Advertisement Those with a college or post-grad degree, an annual income of $75,000 or more, married status and residence in a state with legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to partake. 'Adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use versus other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given its costs,' the researchers noted in the study discussion. 6 The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes and cancer. BritCats Studio – 'The substantial increased prevalence in states with legalized medical cannabis highlights the importance of structural educational support for patients and clinicians in those states.' Advertisement The researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults. The study did not look at the frequency of cannabis use, cannabinoid type or recreational versus medical use. 6 Researchers warned that the use of cannabis products could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults. tunedin – In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, senior author Joseph Palamar, PhD, associate professor of population health at NYU Langone, noted his concern about cannabis use increasing among older populations. Palamar suggested the increased use is likely due to a combination of greater availability, decreased stigma and previous marijuana users aging into the 65+ cohort. 'My worry is that some of these people may have adverse psychiatric reactions, especially if they use edibles,' he said. 'It's very easy to accidentally eat too much, and then there's no turning back once it's already ingested.' In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, confirmed that she's seen a 'significant uptick' in cannabis use by individuals over 50. Advertisement While polls have shown that most older Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, alleviate mental health issues and to relax, Krantz shared some potential dangers of the habit. Those include increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, increased hypertension and tachycardia, as well as worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 6 While marijuana has surged in both men and women, it is more prevalent among women. contentdealer – Cannabis may also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness, Krantz cautioned. Advertisement Other potential risks include balance issues, delayed reaction times, increased confusion or cognitive impairment, and heightened anxiety, depression or anger. There could also be surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing, the expert noted. 6 Cannabis may lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness. Seventyfour – 'Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider and their pharmacist before using any marijuana or cannabis product, because there are very real and specific dangers for older adults when using these substances,' Krantz advised. Advertisement Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented on these findings during an appearance on 'America's Newsroom' on Tuesday, noting that regular use of cannabis can be dangerous if not tracked. 'You might use a gummy to go to bed, and then the next thing, you're using two gummies, or three gummies, and it could increase anxiety, it can increase discombobulation, you're not thinking clearly, ER visits are on the increase,' he cautioned. 'We know about problems with the lungs,' Siegel added. 'It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior.' 6 Marijuana could cause surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing. Africa Studio – Advertisement The doctor likened the use of marijuana to the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs. 'It is absolutely an active chemical we need to watch out for, and I'm very disturbed that the elderly are using it,' he said. 'We've completely jumped the gun [on legalization] because people are going to the ER with psychosis. They're going there with vomiting disorders. They're having car accidents as a result,' he went on. 'We are studying Colorado ever since it was legalized there, and the results are not pretty. We definitely jumped the gun by not anticipating all the medical risks here.' Fox News Digital reached out to UC San Diego Medicine researchers for comment. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

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