How a QA Review Protected a Biotech from Legal Risks and Brand Damage

Could Hidden Website Errors Be Putting Your Patients and Brand at Risk?

In the pharmaceutical industry, every piece of information matters. A single error on a patient-facing website can lead to misuse of medication, non-compliance with regulatory standards, and loss of trust with patients and healthcare providers.

Yet, many companies assume their digital presence is working as intended—until a serious issue surfaces.

This case study highlights how a comprehensive QA review uncovered critical errors on a patient website for a medication treating inborn urea cycle disorders. These issues, if left unaddressed, could have resulted in legal liabilities, patient confusion, and a damaged brand reputation.

By catching these problems early, the company avoided potential lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and patient safety risks, while improving patient education and engagement.

The Risk of Overlooking Digital Quality Assurance

Pharmaceutical websites are more than just marketing tools—they are critical resources for patients who rely on accurate, accessible, and up-to-date medical information. If the content is inaccurate, inconsistent, or inaccessible, it can create real harm for the people who need it most.

When BadTesting conducted a QA review of this patient website, several major issues were discovered:

• Severe content inaccuracies – Incorrect branding and information from a completely different medication appeared throughout the site.
• Functionality failures – Essential features, including video playback for Spanish-language content and the mobile menu, were not working properly.
• Accessibility gaps – Missing video transcripts and non-functional elements created barriers for users with disabilities.
• Design inconsistencies – Layout and formatting varied across devices, creating a poor user experience and making information difficult to navigate.

Each of these issues posed a direct risk to patient safety, regulatory compliance, and brand credibility. Without intervention, the company could have faced serious consequences.

What Would Have Happened Without a QA Review?

Ignoring these issues could have led to:

• Regulatory Non-Compliance – Pharmaceutical websites must adhere to strict guidelines set by regulatory agencies like the FDA.
• Failure to meet compliance standards could result in substantial fines and legal challenges.
• Patient Safety Risks – Inaccurate medical information could mislead patients about their treatment, potentially leading to serious health consequences.
• Loss of Patient and Provider Trust – Healthcare professionals and patients rely on digital resources for accurate guidance. A website filled with errors erodes trust and discourages engagement.
• Exclusion of Non-English-Speaking Users – The Spanish-speaking audience could not access important video content, creating an information gap that put those patients at a disadvantage.

These were not theoretical risks—they were very real threats that could have resulted in legal, financial, and reputational damage for the company.

How BadTesting Helped Prevent a Crisis

Through a rigorous QA process, BadTesting helped the pharmaceutical company:

• Ensure content accuracy – Every piece of information was reviewed and corrected to match regulatory and branding guidelines.
• Fix functionality issues – The Spanish-language videos were restored, and the mobile menu was repaired to provide a seamless user experience.
• Improve accessibility – Missing video transcripts and other accessibility barriers were corrected to meet compliance standards and ensure inclusivity.
• Create a consistent digital experience – Design issues were resolved so that all users, regardless of device, had a smooth experience.

The Bigger Picture: Why Proactive QA Matters for Pharma Companies

Many pharmaceutical companies focus on compliance in product development, yet overlook the compliance and accuracy of their digital assets. This case study demonstrates why QA should be an essential part of every pharmaceutical company’s digital strategy.

1. Compliance is a Must, Not an Option
Regulatory agencies hold digital content to the same high standards as other forms of medical communication. If a website fails to meet these standards, companies can face legal repercussions and financial penalties.

2. Trust is Hard to Earn and Easy to Lose
Patients and healthcare professionals depend on clear, accurate, and accessible medical information. A website with errors or inconsistencies can create doubt and mistrust, damaging long-term relationships with prescribers and patients.

3. Accessibility Impacts a Wider Audience Than You Think
A significant portion of patients and caregivers rely on digital resources to understand their conditions and treatments. Failure to accommodate all users—including non-English speakers and those with disabilities—limits the reach and effectiveness of your information.

4. Preventing Issues is More Cost-Effective Than Fixing a Crisis
Many companies assume that QA is an unnecessary expense, but this case study proves the opposite. A proactive approach to digital quality prevents:

• Regulatory fines that can reach millions of dollars.
• Loss of prescriptions due to poor patient or provider engagement.
• Reputational damage that takes years to repair.

What About Your Patient-Facing Digital Assets?

If your company manages patient education websites, prescription information platforms, or multilingual digital content, ask yourself:

• Is all medical information on your website 100% accurate and compliant?
• Do all website features function correctly for all users, including mobile and non-English-speaking audiences?
• Is your website accessible to those with disabilities, or could it be excluding key demographics?
• Are you proactively testing your digital assets to prevent compliance risks and brand damage?

Don’t Wait Until a Compliance Violation or Patient Harm Forces You to Act

Pharmaceutical websites aren’t just marketing tools—they are essential resources that impact lives. A single oversight can lead to serious consequences. Instead of waiting for a crisis to reveal hidden digital risks, take a proactive approach to quality assurance.

Regular QA audits protect your company, your brand, and, most importantly, your patients. Don’t let hidden errors put your company at risk. Ensure your patient-facing websites are accurate, compliant, and fully functional. Contact BadTesting today to schedule a comprehensive QA review and safeguard your digital presence.