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Achieved - the introduction in the 2003 budget of R&D tax credits-
for pharmaceutical companies, allowing further investment in the
UK
Achieved - significant improvement in
the NICE product appraisal process,-
including representation by the pharmaceutical industry on
expert appraisal committees
The
ABPI's permanent staff of 60 provide
a centre of expertise to support the
committees, task forces and advisory
groups in preparing, formulating and
implementing their decisions. The Commercial Affairs division promotes the interests of
the industry and helps to develop commercial policy with Government
and government bodies. It shapes industry involvement on issues
such as NICE, National Service Frameworks, and relations with the
NHS.
The Medical division co-ordinates
the industry's relations with all the
bodies
representing the medical professions,
including the British Medical Association
and the Royal Colleges. It monitors and
gives guidance on good clinical research
practice.
The Science and Technology division's
aim is to ensure that the UK remains
an attractive location for the industry's
existing and future investments in R&D
and manufacturing. Its role is to focus
on discovery and experimental clinical
research as well as manufacturing investment,
quality and health & safety
issues. It collaborates closely with
key external opinion leaders in Government
and the academic world to help sustain
the UK's vital research base, works
toward an appropriate regulatory environment
and provides technical advice and guidance.
It works with member companies in developing
closer links with the education world
to attract the brightest and best students
into careers in the
pharmaceutical industry.
The Public Affairs division
promotes the image, views and interests
of the industry to Parliamentarians,
opinion leaders, patient groups and
the media. It organises a co-ordinated
programme of events, meetings and publications
aimed at a broad range of audiences.
The Legal, Intellectual Property and Regulatory division
works closely with Government agencies and other bodies to influence
and develop legislation relevant to the pharmaceutical industry,
both in the national and international arenas.
ABPI Scotland and ABPI Cymru Wales represent the ABPI's
recognition of and commitment to devolution. Their aim is to foster
the growth and strategic long-term success of the pharmaceutical
industry in Scotland and Wales.
The ABPI Institute provides support for the training of
medical representatives in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Office of Heath Economics carries out independent research
into the economic aspects of healthcare, collects data and publishes
the results. It maintains HEED, a comprehensive and regularly updated
database of articles on health economics.
The Animals in Medicines Research Information Centre provides
information to the public about the essential role of animals in
the discovery, development and safety testing of medicines and vaccines.
Datapharm Communications Ltd is responsible for developing
the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC), which provides health
care professionals and the public with information about prescription
medicines available in the UK. The eMC is available on the Internet,
www.emc.vhn.net, as a CD-ROM and in book form as the Medicines Compendium.
The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA)
oversees the industry's guidelines on how prescription medicines
are promoted to health professionals in the UK. The Code covers
the quality of information which is made available to the general
public. It is run independently and works in consultation with the
British Medical Association, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of
Great Britain and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
Agency. Members must abide by the Code of Practice as a condition
of their membership.
Links section.
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