The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will look into the use of animation in drug ads to understand how cartoons affect how consumers feel about drugs. Minimal research exists on how animation affects how individuals perceive the risks or benefits of drug consumption. The FDA, which regulates pharma advertising, wants to understand whether cartoons make people believe drugs work better or carry fewer risks.
The mucous monsters promoting Mucinex, the odd intestine-like mascot for Xifaxan and an anthropomorphic fungus-infested toe used in Jublia commercials are just some examples of current ads. Others feature animated humans, including an ad for Abilify, which treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
