TGA Seeks Broader Authority to Penalize False Drug Advertising

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration is proposing to expand its authority to impose sanctions and penalties for non-compliant ads.

Among other proposed changes, TGA could require companies to provide documentation or evidence for a claim they made in advertising material. The information would allow the agency to determine whether more comprehensive investigations are necessary. Failure to respond within 21 days would result in a fine of up to AUS $5,400 ($3,978), with proposed penalties of up to twice that for providing false information.

The agency also proposes to seek authority to issue public notices for suspected non-compliant advertising in cases where it could potentially lead to human harm.

TGA said it would use the new powers, in part, to target fraudulent cancer treatments.