Two important sources of information on therapeutic products (human and animal drugs, biological products, and medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration) for health care professionals are (1) Activities (programs and materials) performed by, or on behalf of, the companies that market the products; and (2) activities, supported by companies, that are otherwise independent from the promotional influence of the supporting company. Although both provide valuable and sometimes vital information to health care professionals, the programs and materials performed and disseminated by companies are subject to the labeling and advertising provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, whereas the truly independent and nonpromotional industry-supported activities have not been subject to FDA regulation.