Drug makers want the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make it easier for them to market their products online.
Under current regulations for traditional media, drug ads must include a detailed list of possible side effects. That rule has severely limited their ability to advertise drugs on the Web, according to pharmaceutical companies.
In response to those concerns, the FDA will hold a two-day meeting beginning Thursday to consider developing rules for online drug advertising, the Associated Press reported.
At the meeting, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America will suggest the FDA develop a logo that could be used in ads in place of lengthy statements about drug risks. Clicking on the logo would take users to a full listing of a drug's risks.
The FDA likely won't release final regulations until 2011, the AP reported.