New EFPIA Code Of Practice On Relationships With Patient Organisations Effective In 31 Countries

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 01 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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On 1 July 2008, a new Code of Practice comes into effect across Europe to ensure relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and patient organisations are transparent and ethical. The "Code of Practice on Relationships between the Pharmaceutical Industry and Patient Organisations", adopted in October 2007, applies to the 2,200 companies that the European Pharmaceutical Industry Association EFPIA represents directly and indirectly in 31 European countries. This is the first time that the pharmaceutical industry members of EFPIA commit to follow similar ethical rules in working with patient organisations.

The Code requires that each company must make publicly available a list of patient organisations to which it provides financial support and/or significant indirect or non-financial support, including a description of the nature of this support. This information may be provided on a national or European level and should be updated at least once a year. It should be available (e.g. on company web sites) for the first time by the end of March 2009.

The Code also includes standards requiring companies to have written agreements defining their support; to encourage multiple sources of funding for patient organisations; to obtain written permission for the use of patient groups' logos; not to seek to influence the content of sponsored patient organisation material to favour commercial interests and to limit hospitality to a reasonable level. The Code reflects EU law by prohibiting the advertising of prescription only medicines to the public.

"Our work with patients is important as it helps us understand and address their needs and concerns on research and medicines. We want this relationship to be transparent and to be in line with the highest standards of compliance and ethics. EFPIA's Code establishes clear principles for working with patient groups that all member companies must comply with" said Arthur Higgins, President of EFPIA and CEO of Bayer HealthCare.

Implementation is carried out by the national industry associations, which must have procedures in place for receiving and processing complaints and imposing sanctions if necessary. Sanctions vary, and may range from publication and fines, to suspension from the national industry association. Non-industry stakeholders will be involved in the national bodies that will handle complaints. National industry associations may choose to impose extra requirements. The new Code will also apply to companies that are members of EFPIA' s specialised groups, the EBE (European Biopharmaceutical Enterprises) and EVM (European Vaccine Manufacturers).

Background

EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 31 national associations and 43 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA is the voice on the EU scene of 2,200 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing to patients new medicines that improve health and the quality of life around the world.

http://www.efpia.eu