On Jul 18, 10:40 am, "Trent SC" wrote:


Are they merely transgressing advertising codes of conduct, or are there
specific laws in place that prevent, say, all but authorised, tested and
peer-reviewed medicines from attracting this sort of promotion?


About 116 years ago the Carbolic Smoke Ball Company offered to pay
100 pounds to anyone who used their smoke balls as directed but still
got the 'flu. Mrs Calill used it and got the 'flu and the court
awarded her
the 100 pounds and it was upheld on appeal. The case is taught in
law
schools around the world.

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlill...e_Ball_Company
and
http://www.justis.com/titles/iclr_r9321042.html

Actually I think that Mrs Calill and Ms Donoghue (who found the snail
in her ginger beer) were extremely stroppy
women and have lots to answer for.

See also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donoghue_v_Stevenson