ABPI To Revise Code Of Practice, UK

19 Nov 2007
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/89232.php

The ABPI Code of Practice is to be revised following the publication of a European-wide code on relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and patient organisations, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) announced recently.

The ABPI code, which sets out rules to govern the behaviour of UK-based pharmaceutical companies and their employees, is required to include all the provisions of the code administered by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).

The ABPI and other national trade associations in Europe worked with EFPIA to develop and draft this new code.

Most of the provisions of the new EFPMA code are already requirements under the ABPI code but some, covering aspects of pharmaceutical companies' relationships with patient organisations, will need to be incorporated.

"Our code is one of the most rigorous in the world, and it is reviewed every two to three years to ensure that it remains fit for purpose," said Nigel Brooksby, President of the ABPI. "As well as taking on board the comparatively small number of changes that the new European patient code makes necessary, we shall be looking at including any suggested alterations identified during the life of the current code."

Changes in relation to the EFPIA code must be implemented into the ABPI code by July 1, 2008. Examples include a new requirement on companies to include a short description of the nature of the support provided to patient organisations. As well as financial backing, indirect, non-financial support will also need to be declared.

Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry