How to Run Compliant Pharma Speaker Programs

What really happens behind the scenes of pharmaceutical speaker programs—and why should smaller pharma companies care? In this episode of DarshanTalks, Darshan Kulkarni unpacks one of the most misunderstood but highly scrutinized parts of pharma marketing: speaker programs.

These programs typically come in two forms—promotional (to raise product awareness and encourage prescribing) and educational (such as accredited CME events). While both are legal, they must be executed with extreme care. Regulatory bodies like the OIG and FDA have repeatedly called these programs “inherently suspect,” especially when the lines between education and promotion blur.

Darshan breaks down the key compliance principles you can’t afford to ignore:

• Speaker selection must be based on expertise, not just high prescribing volume.
  
  
• Agendas and content need clear educational goals—with full disclosure of both benefits and risks.
  
  
• Venues, budgets, and honoraria must remain modest and documented. Lavish dinners or exclusive retreats are red flags.
  
  
• Everything—from slides to invitations—must pass through Medical, Legal, and Regulatory (MLR) review.
  
  

Darshan emphasizes that many small and midsize companies assume these rules are just for the big players—but that’s a dangerous misconception. Regulators are cracking down across the board, especially when they see repeat patterns like promotional tone, lack of balance, or inadequate documentation.

He also highlights the importance of having SOPs for virtual events, especially as hybrid formats become more common. Virtual doesn’t mean informal: you still need clear learning objectives, interactivity, and records of attendance.

Documentation is everything. From signed speaker contracts to attendee surveys, your team should be able to demonstrate educational value if regulators come knocking.

Finally, Darshan urges companies to invest in periodic audits and cross-functional training so that compliance isn't an afterthought. If the goal is truly to educate, then every part of the program—from venue to content—should reflect that.

 Speaker programs can be valuable educational tools—but only if they’re planned, executed, and reviewed properly.

Whether you're building your first program or revisiting old practices, this episode provides practical guidance to avoid legal pitfalls while supporting ethical HCP engagement.

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