Advertising personalised medical devices and equipment
Learn what can and can't be advertised for personalised medical devices.
Therapeutic good advertising requirements apply to medical devices, equipment, and products.
Advertisements promote a therapeutic good through a statement, image, or design.
Medical devices you can advertise
You can advertise to consumers if your medical device is:
- included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (see Medical device inclusion process) or
- exempt from ARTG inclusion because it is custom-made (see Understanding regulation of custom-made medical devices) or
- a patient-matched medical device not included in the ARTG, providing you have submitted a transition notification (see Understanding personalised medical devices rules (including 3D-printed devices).
There are things you can’t say in advertising
References to serious conditions, diseases, ailments and defects are restricted and need TGA approval before use. Using words like "prevent, cure, treat, or diagnose serious conditions" are prohibited.
See: Restricted and prohibited representations in advertising for more information.
Example
Non-compliant advertising example
This advertisement is non-compliant because:
- It states or implies that the advertised good is effective in all cases, or a guaranteed cure.
- It refers to a serious conditions and disease. You can only include this with TGA approval.
- It states or implies that another device is ineffective or harmful
- Health professionals or medical researchers can not endorse products in advertisements.
- It includes the phrase ’TGA approved’.
- Does not contain the mandatory statements:
- Always follow the directions for use.
- Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
This image is an advertisement for therapeutic insoles by a company called BeanzInsoles. The ad is presented as a sponsored social media post. Here's a detailed description of its contents:
- The top of the image shows the company logo (a blue circle with a foot icon) and name "BeanzInsoles".
- The main text introduces their product: "Our therapeutic insoles are designed for your foot and will provide:"
- Three bullet points are listed, each numbered:
- "Optimal arch support guaranteed to reduce pain for life"
- "Relief from pain associated with arthritis"
- "Effective pain relief, unlike other devices that may cause harm"
- The central part of the image shows a bare foot hovering above a blue and yellow insole. The insole appears to have multiple layers and a contoured shape.
- Below the image, two additional selling points are listed: 4. "Designed by podiatrists" 5. "TGA approved"
- At the bottom, there's a website URL: "BEANZINSOLES.COM.AU" and a "Learn More" button.
- The overall design uses a mix of blue and white colours, with red numbering for the bullet points.
This advertisement emphasises the medical benefits and professional design of their insoles, targeting individuals with foot pain or arthritis.