Pharmacy Daily | ASMI pushing for S3 ads

THE Australian Self-Medication Industry says its proposal for an “alternative advertising model” is gaining momentum, with the move potentially set to permit brand promotion of all S3 (Pharmacist Only) medicines. An ASMI update issued yesterday says the organisation has been working with the Guild and the PSA on the proposal, which “would be a major achievement for our industry,” the update said. Under the proposed model, the emphasis will be on “creating consumer awareness about the condition and/or symptoms for which a particular S3 medicine is indicated,” along with the key role that pharmacists play in determining whether the medicine is appropriate for that consumer. The concept was first presented at the Guild’s APP conference last year, with ASMI saying there are benefits across the sector. The professional role of community pharmacists would be promoted, while industry would be encouraged to undertake research to “generate the regulatory data to support applications for rescheduling of appropriate medicines” from S4 to S3, which ASMI said would in turn result in increased access to medications. Government would also benefit by making better use of available healthcare resources “by expanding the professional role of pharmacists in primary healthcare delivery”. ASMI said discussions have included ways in which the model would provide adequate safety mechanisms, “while satisfying companies’ desire to promote these products”. The proposed model was also recently included as part of the ASMI response to the scheduling framework review consultation.

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