New York, NY – July 15, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division will refer advertising claims made by Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. for its Human Milk Fortifier to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review. The referral was made after Prolacta declined to participate in the industry self-regulation process.
Mead Johnson & Company, LLC challenged Prolacta’s claims that its human milk-based fortifier products have been shown in clinical studies to be more effective at improving health outcomes in premature infants as compared to cow milk-based fortifier products.
Express Claims
- Claim that “Compared to cow milk-based fortifiers, an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) with Prolacta’s 100% human milk-based nutritional products has been clinically proven in multiple clinical studies to” produce certain health benefits.
- “When used as part of an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD), Prolacta’s nutritional products are clinically proven to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital costs for critically ill, extremely premature infants as compared to cow milk-based fortifier…”
- “When used as part of an EHMD, our nutritional products are clinically proven to increase survival and reduce the overall cost of care compared to cow milk– based fortifiers . . . in extremely premature infants.”
- “Prolacta products used as a part of that EHMD, as compared to cow milk–based fortifiers, have been shown in clinical studies to benefit critically ill, premature infants in the NICU weighing ≤1250g at birth in many ways…”
Implied Claims
- Prolacta’s HMF products have been proven through rigorous scientific testing to provide better health outcomes than all cow milk-based HMFs, including those manufactured by Mead Johnson.
Prolacta declined to substantively respond to the challenge. Due to Prolacta’s decision to not participate in the NAD self-regulatory process for these claims, NAD will refer the matter to the FTC and FDA for review and possible enforcement action.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
AT&T Appeals National Advertising Division Recommendation to Discontinue or Modify Claim that Supplemental Coverage from Space is Presently Available
New York, NY – July 11, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by T-Mobile US, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that AT&T Services, Inc. discontinue or modify the claim that its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) is presently available to consumers.
Cellular networks offer broad coverage throughout the United States, however, there is still limited cell signal coverage in large portions of the country. AT&T’s “Epic Bad Golf Day” commercial, starring Ben Stiller, presents a solution from AT&T to this issue through SCS coverage. AT&T has announced plans to offer SCS for customers in remote, unserved areas, however, concedes that this coverage is not yet available.
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD). At issue was whether AT&T’s “Epic Bad Golf Day” commercial conveys the message that SCS is presently available from AT&T.
NAD found one reasonable message conveyed is that AT&T is advertising the current availability of SCS from AT&T. Accordingly, NAD recommended that AT&T either discontinue the claim that SCS is presently available to AT&T consumers or modify the claim to clearly and conspicuously disclose that SCS is not available now.
NAD noted that nothing in its decision precludes AT&T from making truthful and non-misleading aspirational claims about SCS.
In its advertiser statement, AT&T stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision because it “maintains its position that there is no implied message of present satellite calling availability” and that “the commercial is simply a comedic romp that clearly showcases AT&T’s investment in the future of satellite calling.”
Appeals of NAD decisions are made to the BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
In Two Fast-Track SWIFT Cases, National Advertising Division Recommends CoStar Discontinue Certain Claims for Homes.com Website
New York, NY – July 9, 2024 – In two Fast-Track SWIFT challenges brought by Move, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended CoStar Group discontinue certain claims relating to the volume of traffic to CoStar’s website, Homes.com, including:
- “Homes.com just reached 156M monthly unique visitors.”
- “Homes.com now has DOUBLE Realtor.com’s traffic.”
Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD).
In the first challenge, Move challenged CoStar’s monadic claims about traffic to Homes.com. NAD recommended that those claims be discontinued because the claims conveyed a message that Homes.com attracts 156 million monthly unique visitors when that figure was based on combined total traffic, calculated using Google Analytics, for 16 other CoStar websites. According to Google Analytics, Homes.com itself has 110 million monthly unique visitors.
In the second challenge, NAD considered the accuracy of the challenged comparative claim that “Homes.com now has DOUBLE Realtor.com’s traffic.” NAD determined that this claim is not supported and recommended that it be discontinued because Homes.com’s claimed 110 million monthly visitors are not “double” the 66 million unique visitors claimed by Realtor.com. NAD declined to reach the question of whether Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics, both site centric data gathering tools, could both be used together to make a single comparison of website visitors.
NAD noted that nothing in these two decisions precludes CoStar from making other truthful and non-misleading claims about the number of unique visitors to its websites collectively, or to any of its individual websites, or comparative claims about Homes.com’s traffic.
In its advertiser statement, CoStar stated that it will comply with NAD’s recommendations.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org
National Advertising Division Finds Certain Claims for Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid Supported; Recommends Others be Modified or Discontinued
New York, NY – July 9, 2024 – In a challenge brought by the Colgate-Palmolive Company, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division determined that The Procter and Gamble Company (P&G), in connection with advertising for its Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid, had a reasonable basis for its express Invisible Grease Claims, as well as the implied claim, “Any difference in removal of grease and food residue between Dawn Platinum and Palmolive Essential Clean is meaningful to consumers.”
However, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that other challenged claims be discontinued or modified.
The challenged advertising appeared in P&G’s “Closer Look” advertising campaign for Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid and consisted of two commercials and a 5-second gif.
99% Food and Grease Removal Claims
The National Advertising (NAD) determined that, in context, P&G’s claims that Dawn Platinum removes 99% of food and grease residue convey a comparative performance message. Specifically, that the Dawn Platinum concentrated product is superior to Colgate’s Palmolive Essential Clean non-concentrated product at removing food and grease.
Because NAD concluded that P&G did not provide testing to support a comparative 99% grease removal claim, NAD recommended that the claims be modified or discontinued.
Invisible Grease Claims
The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that P&G’s evidence was reliable and provided support for the reasonable basis for the comparative Invisible Grease Claim, as well as the implied claim, “Any difference in removal of grease and food residue between Dawn Platinum and Palmolive Essential Clean is meaningful to consumers.”
Colgate also challenged a side-by-side dramatization that showed invisible, residual grease remaining on dishes by highlighting its presence using a blue light on the surface of plates hand washed with Palmolive Essential Clean and Dawn Platinum. NAD found the dramatization reasonably conveys the message that consumers will experience the difference in grease removal as depicted.
NAD found that the difference in the amount of grease that Dawn Platinum left on dishes compared to the amount that remained on dishes washed with Palmolive Essential Clean is consumer relevant, however the depiction of the grease left by Palmolive Essential Clean is inconsistent with the evidence in the record.
NAD therefore recommended that P&G modify or discontinue the challenged advertising to avoid conveying the unsubstantiated, implied message that the dramatization shown in the ads reflects grease residue that is typical of what consumers will experience using Palmolive Essential Clean versus Dawn Platinum.
In its advertiser statement, P&G stated that it will comply with NAD’s decision and although it disagrees with a number of NAD’s conclusions, it respects the NAD process and will take NAD’s recommendations into account for future advertising.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org
Following National Advertising Division Challenge, Afloia Direct Voluntarily Discontinues HEPA and H13 Standards Claims for Air Purifiers
New York, NY – June 28, 2024 – Following a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division challenge brought by competitor Vesync Corporation, Homintell Inc. (d/b/a Afloia Direct) voluntarily discontinued claims for various models of its air purifiers.
Vesync argued that independent third-party tests showed that Afloia’s claims regarding products compliance with HEPA and/or H13 standards are unsubstantiated and misdescribed in Afloia’s marketing materials.
In response to the challenge, Afloia presented testing that it argued showed its filters meet and exceed HEPA and H13 standards but represented that it would voluntarily permanently discontinue its HEPA and H13 claims.
Therefore, the National Advertising Division (NAD) did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.
In its advertiser statement, Afloia stated that it agrees to comply with NAD’s decision and that it “does not concede that there was anything misleading about the claims but has decided to voluntarily discontinue the claims at this time.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
Tolley announces the development of Tolley+ AI, as industry report reveals that two thirds of UK tax professionals have already embraced AI.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 ON THURSDAY 27th June
Tolley announces the development of Tolley+ AI, as industry report reveals that two thirds of UK tax professionals have already embraced AI.
The report reveals that more than 66% of UK tax professionals either use generative AI on a regular basis or intend to do so soon, noting that an AI solution grounded in unrivalled tax content from Tolley will transform the tax industry.
London – 27th June 2024 – Tolley®, part of LexisNexis® Legal and Professional, a leading provider of tax information, workflow and analytics, today announced the development of Tolley+ AI™, a generative AI solution designed to transform tax research and guidance. Grounded in the largest repository of accurate and exclusive tax content, Tolley+ AI combines the power of generative AI with proprietary search technology. Results on Tolley+ AI will always be backed by a verifiable, citable authority or source allowing users to check the validity of results instantly and effortlessly.
Tolley+ AI is using the same underlying and proven technology that drives Lexis+ AI®, the generative AI tool for lawyers. Following the successful launches of Lexis+ AI in the USA, Australia and the UK, the business is leveraging the global expertise and experience of over 2,000 technologists, data scientists and subject matter experts to develop, test and validate an AI solution specifically for the UK tax industry.
The role of generative AI in the UK tax market is of growing interest and importance. The new Tolley® report How Generative AI is Transforming Tax Practice reveals that UK tax professionals have been quick to recognise the efficiency benefits of generative AI. The survey of 446 UK tax professionals in private and in-house practice reveals that 66% of tax professionals are either using or plan to use AI for work purposes.
The report goes on to reveal that 32% of tax professionals in private practice have made AI-related changes to their day-to-day operations. In-house tax teams are a step ahead of their private practice colleagues, with 43% saying they have changed their ways of working, including 24% adopting new AI policies, 18% launching AI-powered tools for internal use and 14% delivering staff training.
Despite the interest in AI, 79% of UK tax professionals have some level of concern over the ethics and trustworthiness of public-access and free-to-use generative AI platforms citing “lack of trust” and “potential content hallucinations” as their main concerns. However, 71% said they would be “somewhat” or “completely comfortable” using AI-powered tools that were grounded in proven, authoritative tax research and guidance content.
Tolley+ AI is grounded in up-to-date and exclusive Tolley tax content. Tolley+ AI will be able to provide answers to tax questions with results that are always linked back to the underlying source. Tolley+ AI will feature conversational search, insightful summarisation, intelligent drafting and document upload capabilities, all supported by state-of-the-art encryption and privacy technology to keep sensitive data secure.
“AI is set to transform and revolutionise the practice of tax and it is clear that tax professionals are keen to embrace the value that generative AI can offer” commented Jon Scriven, Director of Tax Markets at Tolley.
Gerry Duffy, Managing Director at LexisNexis UK added “By combining our advanced technological capabilities with outstanding Tolley tax research and guidance content, we will be able to help our customers accelerate their workflows, increase productivity and gain a clear competitive advantage.”
Tolley is responsibly developing an AI solution with human oversight. As part of the LexisNexis and RELX family, AI development at Tolley follows the RELX Responsible AI Principles, considering the real-world impact of its solutions on people and taking action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias.
To support tax professionals in their understanding of AI and the opportunities it will present, Tolley has created the Tolley+ AI™ Insider program. This will offer free and exclusive access to webinars, thought leadership and breaking news on the latest AI technologies. Curated by Tolley, there will be insights from tax market leaders, innovation and technology evangelists and in-house experts. Tolley+ AI Insiders will be among the first to experience the Tolley+ AI platform.
To read the report How Generative AI is Transforming Tax Practice and become a Tolley+ AI Insider, visit https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/research-and-reports/tax-generative-ai-report-2024.html
About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
Contact Information
Name: Matthew Leopold
Email: matthew.leopold@lexisnexis.co.uk
Job Title: Head Of Brand And Comms
National Advertising Division Finds Certain Native Brand Personal Care Products Claims Supported; Recommends P&G Modify or Discontinue Others
New York, NY – June 27, 2024 – In a challenge brought by SC Johnson & Son Inc. (SCJ), BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division determined that certain claims made by Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) for its Native brand of personal care products are supported, including:
- P&Gs use of “simple” in its tagline “Clean. Simple. Effective.”
- Monadic “safe” claims such as “safe & simple products made without harsh ingredients.”
However, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that P&G:
- Modify or discontinue use of “simple ingredients” when describing Native product ingredients for its deodorants, body washes, body lotion, conditioners, and shampoos.
- Discontinue its “Born in the USA” claim.
SCJ, maker of the Method brand of products, challenged claims found on product packaging, advertising, and Amazon listings for P&G’s Native brand of personal care products.
“Simple” Claims
The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that one message reasonably conveyed by “simple” in Native’s tagline, “Clean. Simple. Effective,” is that Native products contain few or minimal ingredients. NAD found that P&G substantiated the claim and determined use of the tagline is substantiated in the context of Native’s product packaging and website.
SCJ also challenged Native’s use of “simple” in reference to individual ingredients in Native Products instead of the product formulations as a whole: “simple ingredients,” “simple & effective ingredients,” or “simple ingredients you can understand at a glance.” NAD determined the description of Native ingredients as “simple” is not supported for its deodorants, body washes, body lotion, conditioners, and shampoos and recommended that P&G discontinue or modify its use of the “simple ingredients” claims when describing these products.
Safe Claims
The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that one message reasonably conveyed by a monadic unqualified “safe” claim is that the product is safe when used as directed. NAD noted that while advertisers are responsible for all messages reasonably conveyed by their advertising, they are not obligated to support unreasonable interpretations of their claims, such as the message that the product is safe for all possible uses, even unintended ones, or that the product is safe for consumers to misuse contrary to product directions.
NAD found P&G’s monadic “safe” claims, such as “safe & simple products made without harsh ingredients” and “safe, synthetic, sustainable fragrances (free of phthalates),” used on Native products to be supported.
“Born in the USA” Claim
The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that one message reasonably conveyed by P&G’s “Born in the USA” claim is that Native products are made in the USA. NAD noted that the Federal Trade Commission standard for “Made in USA” claims require that “all or virtually all” of the cost of the goods sold be attributable to domestic sources. Since P&G did not provide any evidence that its products are made in the USA, NAD recommended that the claim be discontinued.
During the proceeding, P&G permanently discontinued certain claims. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.
In its advertiser statement, though P&G “respectfully disagrees” with certain of NAD’s determinations, it agreed to comply with NAD’s recommendations.
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
CBTD 2024 EXPECTS MORE THAN 7.000 VISITORS AT ITS 39TH EDITION
The largest congresses for HR, T&D and people development professionals in Latin America will take place from June 19 to 21 in São Paulo
The Brazilian Training and Development Association (ABTD) announces the 39th edition of the Brazilian Training and Development Congress (CBTD), which will take place from June 19 to 21 at the PRO MAGNO Events Center in São Paulo.
Aimed at all professionals who develop people, Human Resources and Training & Development, the focus of the debates at CBTD 2024 will be the abundance of possibilities, resources and tools available to achieve companies’ objectives. In addition, understanding how plurality has become a routine in the path of professionals, who need to be increasingly empowered to make faster and more strategic decisions.
“The challenge is to be strategic, broadening our systemic vision, but discerning what is essential to achieve our goals. While we remain aware to respond to the challenges of the present moment and drive individual and collective growth, we must not forget to be human, so that by developing and delivering our potential, we can contribute to promoting more inclusive and collaborative environments, the only way to build a sustainable future,” says Igor Cozzo, executive director of ABTD.
During the three days of the event, attendees will have at their disposal more than 250 activities spread over 16 stages, delivered by more than 200 speakers in different formats of learning experiences, mixing expository and interactive methodologies, with durations ranging from 15 minutes, with TED Talks-style lectures, to 3 hours of immersion in experiential laboratories, as well as recorded lectures, which can be accessed via the event’s digital platform or the app, available in the Apple and Google stores.
The content that makes up the Congress grid is subject to a selection process conducted by a committee of professionals from the sector and is distributed in four areas of knowledge: Learning Methodologies and Processes, Human Capital, Leadership Development and Training Program Evaluation.
EXPO CBTD 2024, the congress’ trade fair, is free of charge and 60% bigger than in 2023. It will feature more than 80 exhibitors bringing new products and services for T&D, as well as talks offered by the event’s sponsors, sharing insights and content developed so that visitors can interact and find the best solutions for their business challenges.
Adriana Chambon, ABTD’s commercial director, talks about the importance of keeping EXPO CBTD free of charge and having spaces for visitors to share knowledge: “We believe that developing people is much more than a shared mission between ABTD, HR and T&D leaders and professionals. It is part of the purpose of being human and that’s why we try to add this value to as many people as possible”.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
ABOUT CBTD 2024
CBTD 2024 is the 39th edition of the largest Training and Development Congress in Latin America and had its most recent edition, in 2023, with 7000 participants. In addition to the lectures, workshops and plenary sessions, the Congress includes the EXPO CBTD, a trade fair for products and services, and a space for networking, which brings the latest innovations to the various players in the T&D market.
Contact Information
Name: Andréa Agune
Email: imprensa@rockbuzz.com.br
Job Title: Public Relations
National Advertising Division Recommends Agendia Modify or Discontinue Certain Claims for MammaPrint and BluePrint Breast Cancer Tests
New York, NY – June 13, 2024 – In a challenge brought by Genomic Health, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Exact Sciences Corporation (GHI), BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that Agendia, Inc. modify or discontinue certain claims regarding the superiority of its MammaPrint and BluePrint tests for black women, including claims that GHI’s Oncotype DX test is inappropriate for black women and that it is biased, inaccurate, and inconsistent.
GHI’s Oncotype DX test and Agendia’s MammaPrint and BluePrint genomic tests assess the risk of breast cancer recurrence in early-stage breast cancer patients.
The challenged claims appeared in sponsored advertising content, in posts on all major social media platforms, and on the Agendia website. Agendia’s advertisements are provided to doctors, other medical professionals, breast cancer patients, and caregivers.
Equality of Care/Bias Claims
GHI challenged a two-sided postcard distributed to healthcare professionals with the headline that Agendia and its tests provide “EQUAL CARE FOR ALL” and that “Agendia is committed to addressing racial disparities in breast cancer,” followed by claims including:
- “Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white”
- “Only MammaPrint & BluePrint results can identify higher risk ER+ tumors in black women”
- “Agendia’s test provide consistent results in black women as well as in other diverse groups of patients”
- “Oncotype DX Breast RS test has lower prognostic accuracy in Black women”
The bottom of the postcard says, “Not all Genomic Tests are Created Equal.”
The other side of the postcard shows a comparative chart between the “MammaPrint & BluePrint” vs. “Onctoype DX” and a series of checkmarks indicating differences between the tests. The chart concludes with the claim “EQUAL CARE FOR ALL” checked “yes” for MammaPrint & BluePrint, with no checkmark for Oncotype DX.
The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that at least one message reasonably conveyed by this advertisement and comparative chart is that GHI does not want equal care for all, a message not supported by the evidence in the record.
Further, NAD concluded that Agendia’s evidence does not provide a reasonable basis for the claim that the Onctoype DX test is biased (along with the negative connotation implied by the word “bias”) and that the MammaPrint test has uncovered this bias.
Therefore, NAD recommended Agendia either discontinue these claims or modify its advertising to avoid conveying the falsely disparaging messages that GHI does not want equal care for all and that its Onctoype DX test is biased.
Superiority/Singularity for Tumor Identification Claims
The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that Agendia’s evidence does not provide a reasonable basis for the overly broad message conveyed by the claim “Only MammaPrint & BluePrint results can identify higher risk ER+ tumors in black women,” which appeared on the postcard. Therefore, NAD recommended that Agendia either discontinue the claim or modify it to more accurately reflect the underlying support.
Accuracy of Test Results/Inconsistent Results Claims
The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended Agendia discontinue claims that MammaPrint results provide “more accurate predictions” because the evidence does not support that it is “more” accurate than either prior or competing tests and because the test is not cleared or indicated as a predictive test.
GHI also challenged several claims questioning the reliability of Oncotype DX, a test that Agendia characterized as having lower accuracy in black women and inconsistent results.
NAD determined that the studies Agendia relied on are not a good fit for claims that broadly communicate that Onctotype DX has lower prognostic accuracy or worse outcomes for black women.
Therefore, NAD recommended Agendia discontinue the challenged claims or modify its advertising to avoid conveying the overly broad message that Oncotype DX has lower prognostic accuracy and provides less consistent results for black women than MammaPrint and BluePrint. NAD noted that nothing in its decision prevents Agendia from accurately communicating the results of the studies in a more narrowly tailored manner.
Worse Outcomes for Black Women Claims
The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that Agendia discontinue claims that attribute worse outcomes for black women with the same Oncotype DX test results as white women or modify the claims to avoid conveying such a message.
Material Connection Disclosures
GHI asserted that Agendia posted articles published by Hit Consultant and Stat News featuring Dr. Johnson’s opinions on MammaPrint and Oncotype tests on social media that do not include the material connection disclosures required by the FTC’s Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Since Agendia confirmed that it does not have a relationship, paid or otherwise, with Dr. Johnson, Stat News, or Hit Consultant, the National Advertising Division (NAD) determined there are no material connection disclosures required on the challenged posts.
In its advertiser statement, Agendia stated that it will comply with NAD’s recommendations although it “respectfully disagrees with NAD regarding both the interpretation of and the substantiation for Agendia’s advertising” and “has no current plans to resume the challenged claims.”
All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.
About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.
About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.
Contact Information
Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations
LexisNexis launches Lexis+ AI to the UK legal market
Grounded on LexisNexis’ vast legal research and practical guidance content, following a successful preview, Lexis+ AI is now commercially available in the UK, delivering fully encrypted, secure interactions with accurate results in seconds.
LONDON, 13th June 2024 – LexisNexis® Legal & Professional, a leading global provider of legal information and analytics, today announced that Lexis+ AI is now generally available for UK customers. This follows the successful commercial launches of Lexis+ AI in both the USA and Australia.
Lexis+ AI delivers trusted results in a familiar, easy-to-use interface that combines the power of generative AI with proprietary search technology. Lexis+ AI answers are grounded in one of the world’s largest repositories of reliable and exclusive legal content from LexisNexis, including primary, secondary, analytical content and expansive Practical Guidance modules.
Lexis+ AI provides direct links in its responses to the underlying citable authority. This allows users to instantly validate results, reducing the risk of invented content, or hallucinations. Lexis+ AI automatically checks all linked citations against LexisNexis’ content to ensure they are valid.
Developed with input from leading global law firms such as Macfarlanes, Eversheds Sutherland (International), Pinsent Masons and CMS UK, Lexis+ AI has been built to meet the day-to-day needs of lawyers. Eleanor Windsor, Partner, Director of Knowledge Management, at Irwin Mitchell commented “we selected Lexis+ AI as it is the most advanced legally-trained AI solution on the market. It will enable us to maximise the value of the legal intelligence we already access from LexisNexis.”
The solution’s AI capabilities were built internally at LexisNexis with world-leading tech partnerships, enabling the company to rapidly introduce new features and technology and provide customers with a seamlessly integrated experience across the LexisNexis ecosystem.
Lexis+ AI features conversational search, intelligent legal drafting, insightful summarisation, and document upload capabilities, all supported by state-of-the-art encryption and privacy technology to keep sensitive data secure:
- Conversational search simplifies complex and time-consuming legal research by enabling users to conversationally interact with Lexis+ AI, explore new insights, and ask for adjusted and refined output.
- Document drafting instantly produces contract clauses and client communications from a simple user prompt.
- Summarisation functionality delivers case summaries in seconds with more content and capabilities coming soon.
- Document upload capabilities enable users to rapidly analyse, summarise and extract key insights from legal documents.
Lexis+ AI offers industry-leading data security and attention to privacy. Uploaded documents are always purged at the end of each session and users can easily manage or delete their prompt conversation history. The solution is continually improving, with LexisNexis legal subject matter experts regularly sampling hundreds of thousands of AI generated answers, to tune and educate the model. LexisNexis employs over 2,000 technologists, data scientists and subject matter experts to develop, test, and validate its solutions and deliver comprehensive, accurate information.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of the UK legal industry. We are delighted to deliver a generative AI solution that will safely and securely enable our customers’ success,” said Gerry Duffy, Managing Director of LexisNexis UK. “We have had unprecedented levels of interest in Lexis+ AI from our market and as of today, many of our customers will be enjoying the competitive advantage of having access to our rich and authoritative content combined with our leading AI technology”.
LexisNexis is responsibly developing legal AI solutions with human oversight. LexisNexis, part of FTSE listed RELX, follows the RELX Responsible AI Principles. These require the business to consider the real-world impact of its solutions on people and to take proactive action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias.
For more information on Lexis+ AI or for a demo visit www.lexisnexis.co.uk/lexis-plus/lexis-plus-ai.html
About LexisNexis Legal & Professional
LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.
Media Contact
Matthew Leopold
Head of Communications
LexisNexis
Matthew.Leopold@lexisnexis.co.uk
+447788435569