FDA chief says Hims & Hers Super Bowl ad violated drug promotion rules

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary said in a New York Times guest essay that Hims & Hers’ Super Bowl advertisement breached federal law as it highlighted the benefits of weight-loss drugs without mentioning side effects. “The FDA is taking action,” Makary said, adding that “Earlier this week, the agency sent approximately 100 cease-and-desist letters to pharmaceutical companies whose ads were found to violate the law. This includes several online pharmacies. The FDA also sent thousands of letters to companies warning them to remove ads that violate the law and alerting them to our new diligent enforcement posture going forward.”