Recent Survey Uncovers Potential Violations of Pharmaceutical Regulations in Advertisements

On June 27, 2025, REGAL CORE, a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, specializing in legal checks related to pharmaceutical laws, announced a new survey regarding the delivery of advertisement articles that could potentially violate the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act) and the Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations. This report focuses on findings based on a rigorous analysis of various web media channels.

Overview of the Survey

This investigation is part of an ongoing initiative to monitor and report on advertisement expressions that may lead to legal infringements. It follows previous findings that raised concerns over specific promotion tactics employed by various companies in the health and beauty sectors.

Survey Period and Methodology

The survey was conducted from May to June 2025. REGAL CORE selected multiple web media platforms randomly and evaluated ads primarily revolving around recommendation widgets. The aim was to assess whether these advertisements contained expressions deemed illegal under the PMD Act and the Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums, in order to safeguard consumers.

Key Findings

The analysis indicated a consistent trend of advertisements utilizing questionable expressions, with numerous examples compiled for reference. Below are notable categories and specific instances of advertisement phrases that could lead to legal challenges:

1. Health Products: Many advertisements for health foods exhibited medical claims which could infringe on the PMD Act or mislead consumers under the Act Against Unjustifiable Premiums.
- Examples of Concern:
- Phrases suggesting non-permissible health benefits such as "Enhance female hormone functionality,” “Achieve superior breast fullness,” and exaggerated detox claims.
- Promotions claiming effortless weight loss such as “Guaranteed fat loss” and “Lose 13.1 kg in two weeks.”
- Assertions that a product could enhance male sexual function with phrases like “Boost testosterone dramatically.”

2. Functional Foods: Similar infringements were noted in the advertisements of functional foods that exceeded permitted claims, often implying results that could mislead consumers.
- Example: Statements like “Correct visual perception without glasses” or “Experience permanent weight loss without effort.”

3. Cosmetics: Cosmetic ads were also cited as violating laws, particularly those promising effects beyond the scope of registered claims, such as “Achieve permanent hair removal” or “Completely erase wrinkles.”
- Examples of Concern: Claims related to miracle ingredients that falsely suggest enhanced skin and hair conditions.

4. Pharmaceuticals: Specific advertisements for medications suggesting curative capabilities beyond approved indications were flagged.
- Example: Misleading representations likening bowel health concerns to weight loss, implying remedies that lower significant health risks unjustifiably.

5. General Ad Violations: Some ads effectively guaranteed results with phrases like “You will definitely…” or “Zero possibility of…” leading to a gross misrepresentation of safety and efficacy.

These findings reiterate the necessity of compliance with legal advertising standards established to protect consumers from misleading information.

Conclusions and Future Directions

Several businesses identified in this survey have taken measures to rectify their improperly stated claims. REGAL CORE will continue to monitor these trends and update its findings, adapting its survey methodologies to ensure comprehensive oversight in advertising principles.

About REGAL CORE

Founded in 2021 and led by President Hayato Tano, REGAL CORE is dedicated to advancing legal compliance through thorough investigations and expert insights. They remain committed to educational outreach concerning responsible and lawful advertising practices. For more information, visit REGAL CORE's official website.

Contact Details:

- Location: A-PLACE Ebisu East 9th floor, 3-13-11 Higashi Shibuya, Tokyo
- Capital: 38,490,000 JPY

This ongoing monitoring of advertising practices is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that consumers are not misled by inaccurate health claims in advertisements.