Advertising and Content Display:
The journal has the right to refuse any advertisement that, in its sole discretion, is incompatible with its mission or inconsistent with the values of members, the publication/website or the organisation and to stop accepting any advertisement previously received. Ads are subject to review by the chief editor. In no case shall separate agreements with the journal and its subsidiaries supersede this policy1. 

The Journal reserves the right to reject ads that conflict with its mission or values and to review all ads. Advertising for alcohol, tobacco, weapons, gambling, and other topics is prohibited. Advertisers must provide proof to support their claims, and FDA-disapproved health claims require a disclaimer. Advertisements must be distinguishable from editorial content. Online ads with pop-ups, information collection without permission, and automatic redirection are prohibited. Policies may change without notice2,3.

Advertising is prohibited in the case of Alcohol, Tobacco, Weapons, Firearms, Ammunition, Fireworks, Gambling and Lottery, Pornography or related themes, Political and religious advertisements, Advertisements that claim to have a “miracle” cure or method, Advertisements that make unsubstantiated health claims for the products advertised, Advertisements directed at children3.

Advertisers must provide supporting documentation to back up their claims. In cases where products are outside the regulation of the FDA or other government agencies, technical and scientific documentation may be required. Products advertised with health claims that the FDA disapproves must include a disclaimer stating that the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Advertisers must prioritise information-rich advertising. Advertising icons and advertiser logos must be distinguishable from editorial content to ensure transparency. This may require special labelling to ensure everything is evident between them.

In professional publications, intentional advertising adjacent to articles discussing the company or product that is the subject of the ad is prohibited4.

Online advertising is prohibited in the case of Pop-ups and floating ads, Advertisements that collect personally identifiable information from visitors without permission, Ads that extend across or down the page without the visitor having clicked or rolled over the ad, Ads that send visitors to another site without the visitor clicking the ad.

The advertising policies are not exhaustive and are subject to change at any time without notice.

References:

  1. Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA)
  2. World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) – Advertising
  3. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) – Advertising
  4. COPE- Adverting