NPDPA

NPDPA (Non-Prescription Drug Advertising Advisory Board) is a Canadian organization that provides pre-clearance services for non-prescription drugs, natural health products, and health-related medical devices in Canada. The NPDPA is a division of the Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), the national self-regulatory body for advertising in Canada.

History[edit | edit source]

The NPDPA was established in 1976 by the Non-prescription Drug Manufacturers Association of Canada (NDMAC) to ensure that advertising for non-prescription drugs, natural health products, and health-related medical devices is accurate, balanced, and evidence-based. The NPDPA operates under the auspices of the ASC.

Function[edit | edit source]

The NPDPA provides pre-clearance services for advertising materials for non-prescription drugs, natural health products, and health-related medical devices. This involves reviewing the advertising materials to ensure they comply with the Food and Drugs Act and the Natural Health Products Regulations, as well as the ASC's Canadian Code of Advertising Standards.

The NPDPA also provides advice and guidance to advertisers to help them comply with the regulations and standards. This includes providing training and education programs, and issuing guidelines and position papers.

Process[edit | edit source]

The NPDPA pre-clearance process involves a detailed review of the advertising materials by a team of experts. The team checks the materials for accuracy, balance, and evidence-based information. They also check that the materials comply with the relevant regulations and standards.

If the materials meet the requirements, the NPDPA issues a clearance number, which the advertiser can use to show that the materials have been pre-cleared. If the materials do not meet the requirements, the NPDPA provides feedback to the advertiser on how to bring the materials into compliance.