DRAP Warns Companies Over Unapproved Medicine Advertisements

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has announced strict enforcement measures against pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies promoting therapeutic products without prior approval.

Following a surge in unregulated advertisements across mainstream and digital media platforms, DRAP said it will take stern action against companies marketing medicines without clearance.

Cases involving unlicensed manufacturing units illegally producing medicines and promoting them through social media will be referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other law enforcement agencies for legal action.

In an official notification issued Wednesday, DRAP reminded industry associations that the Therapeutic Goods (Advertisement) Rules, 2025 are now in effect.

Under these rules, all manufacturers and importers must obtain clearance from the DRAP Advertisement Board before advertising any registered or listed therapeutic product, including advertisements that simply announce product availability.

The regulator stated that any advertisement published without prior approval will be treated as a violation of the law and a cognizable offense.

The move follows growing concern over widespread promotion of allopathic and nutraceutical products on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, television, and roadside billboards. Many advertisements have made sweeping claims of complete cures or guaranteed treatments for serious conditions such as sexual dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, obesity, and mental health disorders.

DRAP has also received reports of unlicensed pharmaceutical units and informal manufacturers directly marketing products to consumers through social media pages, call centers, and courier services without authorization to manufacture medicines.

Officials warned that such products may be substandard or unsafe and pose serious risks to public health. These cases will also be referred to the FIA and relevant law enforcement agencies.

Industry bodies have been instructed to inform their members of the new requirements and ensure strict compliance. DRAP said violations will result in legal action, though applications submitted for advertisement approval under the prescribed procedure will receive priority consideration.