Year 2011 marks the 35th year of the PAAB since its incorporation in 1976. To see the current edition of the PAAB Code, visit the PAAB Web-site. www.paab.ca

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PAAB MEETINGS

November 18, 2011 – General Meeting

December 13, 2011 - Executive Committee Meeting

December 13, 2011 - New Office Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ongoing – PI Code Committee

MISSION, VISION, VALUES

MISSION: To provide a preclearance review that fosters trustworthy healthcare communications within the regulatory framework.

VISION: Trusted healthcare product communication that promotes optimal health.

VALUES: Integrity, Competency, Credibility, Independence, Excellence, Transparency

PAAB OFFICE RELOCATION

As of December 5, 2011, the PAAB office will be located at 1305 Pickering Parkway, Suite 300 in Pickering , Ontario. The phone numbers and fax number will remain the same.

CLIENTS’ INVITATION

The PAAB commissioner is proud of the high level of customer service shown by the PAAB staff. We strive for continuous quality improvement. We remind you that the door to the commissioner’s office is open to receive comments about PAAB activities or review issues. We would like to receive specific examples that caused satisfaction or dissatisfaction for the client to help identify trends for areas of improvement of the PAAB review service. You can contact the commissioner at 905-509-2275 x28 and by email at commish@paab.ca.

PRODUCT INFORMATION (PI)

The PAAB Directors have approved in principle the possibility to change the PAAB Code requirement for Product Information that accompanies advertising. The change would allow a link to the PI in the ad. The PAAB will examine how the code can be changed to accommodate this new format. Any changes will have to be within the current federal regulatory framework and the opinion of Health Canada will be sought. A code committee has been struck andwill report to the Board with their recommendation.

NEW STAFF ADDITIONS

The PAAB has recently hired two new Reviewers. Dr. Michael Kozmenko comes to us via the medical departments of several pharmaceutical companies. Ms. Danielle Newman comes to the PAAB with a M.Sc. and experience in hospital sales in the pharmaceutical industry, and in a leading advertising agency. These additions bring the reviewer total to twelve and a total staff of eighteen.

TRAINING WORKSHOPS

The PAAB conducts ad hoc training sessions at the request of pharma/biotech companies, agencies and suppliers. Check the PAAB web-site for details. www.paab.ca

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INDEX

The PAAB’s primary role is to ensure that advertising of prescription drugs is accurate, balanced and evidence based. The PAAB staff strives to provide service that is accurate, transparent and prompt, demonstrating a high level of scientific and regulatory expertise in its reviews.

In late May, 2008, we introduced a Customer Experience Index Survey (CEI). This will provide the PAAB with a systematic and ongoing tool for client feedback, measuring administration, reviewers, management, general process and technology.

Clients who have had an APS accepted will be randomly selected to receive a survey involving 14 questions. If you get one, please complete it and send it back to us promptly. It is important to answer the questions regarding the referenced review file. It is the commitment of the PAAB to improve our customer service. Results for 2011 indicate a continuance of an 80% satisfaction level with the individual file that the client commented on. The PAAB commissioner is pleased with the results and is encouraging the staff to keep up the good work.

PAAB SPEAKS

In November Commissioner Chepesiuk will appear as a featured speaker at the EyeforPharma Digital Innovation in Pharma Summit in Boston, Massachusetts and at the EyeforPharma e-Marketing Canada conference in Toronto. CRO Patrick Massad will speak at the DIA Canada meeting in Ottawa, Ontario. In December, the commissioner has been invited to speak in New York City at the Ali “Social Media for Pharma” conference. 

The Commissioner and Chief Review Officer Patrick Massad will be conducting workshops on the PAAB Code for several companies by invitation.

PAAB staff can conduct learning sessions about the PAAB and the Code of Advertising Acceptance or Direct-to-Consumer advertising of Rx or biological health products on-site at your workplace. Sessions are usually 2-3 hours long and the content can be tailored to your needs. Q&A about your confidential marketing situations can be discussed. There is a fee and travel expenses charge.

Contact Commissioner Ray Chepesiuk for details and fee information 905-509-2275 x28.

REVIEW ACTIVITY

During the period of July 1 to September 30, 2011, the total number of first review submissions was 1,685 with 11 files going more than 10 days on first review. The average was 6.9 days. This compared to 1,372 during the same period of 2010. This period, the reviewers averaged 2.3 days for turnaround on revision.

To address industry perception, the PAAB can now generate a report to show how long the client holds a file vs. the PAAB during the review process to acceptance. In 2011, on average the PAAB has held the file 3.2 days vs. the client holding it 7.3 days.

The average number of total revisions per submission for a file was 2.4 in 2011. 12% of accepted files took more than 3 revisions to complete in 2011 versus 16% in 2010. Ask CRO Patrick Massad how your agency or company performed.

USE OF PAAB LOGO

We encourage you to show the PAAB logo on all material reviewed to acceptance (HP) or to no objection (DTC). The new DTC codes are CA for advertising and CI for information. The clearance period is for 12 months and please submit a renewal request if you wish to use the advertising for longer than 12 months. Two month extensions for exceptional circumstances can be granted by the commissioner. 

PAAB COMPLAINT REPORT

During the period of July 1 to September 30, 2011, the PAAB Commissioner processed 0 Stage 2 complaints. 

In addition, PAAB has continued to regularly monitor journals, the Internet, and receive direct-mail/detail aid materials collected by health professionals as part of its monitoring program. When Code violations are discovered, PAAB sends a letter to the advertiser seeking their cooperation to meet the requirements of the Code. When appropriate, PAAB will notify the advertiser’s trade association and/or Health Canada for their assessment of additional penalties. In the third quarter of 2011 the PAAB sent 0 monitoring notices.

For information or if you have comments: Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board 375 Kingston Road, Suite 200 Pickering, Ont. L1V 1A3 Tel: (905) 509-2275 fax: (905) 509-2486 e-mail: info@paab.ca www.paab.ca