​The ABPI Board of Management noted that the importance of complying with the ABPI Code of Practice had been made clear to all Merck Sharp and Dohme staff, and an audit report in November referred to the company's commitment to compliance and its progress in recent months. The ABPI Board agreed that the momentum generated needed to be maintained.

The ABPI Board decided that Merck Sharp and Dohme should be reinstated to membership with effect from January 3, but that there should be a further audit within six months to ensure progress is being maintained.

Merck Sharp and Dohme was suspended from membership for a minimum of three months after it was found to be in breach of the code, including Clause 2 which deals with activities that bring discredit on, or reduce confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry.

For further information, please contact: ABPI Press Office +44 (0)207 747 1410