|
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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 today.
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.
For further information, please contact:
Crispin Slee 020 7747 1410 (office)
Roz Britton-Elliott 020 7747 1441 (office)
|
