Homeopathic Industry Proposes More Broad Use of Disclosures to FTC as the Path Forward

Industry leaders provide perspective on partnership opportunities for Federal Trade Commission

Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2015— To better help consumers make informed choices, the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists (AAHP) proposed strengthening product label and advertising disclosures to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today in Washington, D.C. at the agency’s “Homeopathic Medicine & Advertising” workshop.

The industry recently tested three different disclaimers and reported the findings to the FTC. The use of one of these three disclaimers resulted in 92 to 99 percent of the participants understanding that FDA did not review the label claims for homeopathic drugs.

“This is a great path forward in providing consumers with additional purchasing information while maintaining their access to a choice that American families have relied upon to relieve simple conditions in the home for generations,” says Mark Land, president of AAHP.

Currently most consumers can differentiate between homeopathic and other OTC products. Only 24 percent of consumers in the AAHP study assumed that the FDA reviewed claims for homeopathic medicines as opposed to 76 percent of consumers who correctly understood only conventional OTC products to be FDA-approved. Additionally the percent of misperception was lower than consumers who believed the FDA approved claims for cosmetics, pet foods and groceries.

This latest industry initiative to improve consumer understanding follows a 2012 proactive step whereby the majority of homeopathic medicines in the marketplace adopted disclaimers similar to one mandated for dietary supplements.

“Homeopathic medicines have been part of American healthcare for more than 150 years with an impressive safety record,” says Land. “These products comply with drug Good Manufacturing Practices and FDA labeling regulations. They are supported by literature-based medical evidence, which is the worldwide standard for substantiating homeopathic claims. Furthermore this extraordinary $1 billion industry is unique in relying on recommendations from highly satisfied customers to influence sales rather than mass advertising efforts.”

About the AAHP: Founded in 1923, AAHP (www.theaahp.org) is a not-for-profit corporation of the State Commonwealth of Virginia. It is the leading educational organization for manufacturing, marketing and labeling of homeopathic drug products. As a trade association, AAHP represents the interests of homeopathic manufacturers, distributors, and individual pharmacists in cooperative efforts with regulatory agencies and other organizations nationally. In addition, the association promotes high standards in manufacturing and distributing, communicates regulatory changes to member companies through a regular newsletter, and promotes professional communications, education, and research within the homeopathic community.

 

Contacts:

Eric Foxman

AAHP Secretary

513-402-8847

info@theaahp.org

Alissa Gould

AAHP Public Relations Volunteer

Cell: 610-506-2534

Alissa.Gould@Boiron.com