An international alliance of consumer groups, insurers, and professional associations has stepped up its attacks on the European Commission's current round of public consultation over drug advertising.

The EC released a report for public consultation earlier this year on current sources of patient information, and it is seeking public comment by the end of June. The report gives strong support to the idea of allowing drug companies to give more information directly to patients, a proposal that critics argue will undermine Europe's strict ban on direct to consumer drug …