News Brief: FDA Cracks Down on Misleading Drug Ads

On September 9, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a sweeping crackdown on deceptive prescription drug advertising, citing concerns that misleading promotions put patients at risk and distort the doctor–patient relationship.

The agency announced it is sending thousands of warning letters to pharmaceutical companies and issuing about 100 cease-and-desist orders for ads deemed deceptive. It also plans to close the so-called “adequate provision” loophole, a 1997 rule that has allowed broadcast and online ads to gloss over important safety information.

Officials warned that drug companies increasingly use social media and influencers to highlight benefits while downplaying risks. A recent study found all pharma social media posts emphasized benefits, but only a third mentioned harms.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said the reforms aim to bring “radical transparency” to drug marketing. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary added that the industry spends up to a quarter of its budget on advertising, arguing those funds would be better used to reduce drug prices.

The FDA said it will step up enforcement, including the use of artificial intelligence to monitor ads more aggressively.