The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7376 p624
19 November 2005

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New ABPI code of conduct promotes ADR reporting

Information about reporting adverse events will have to be displayed prominently on all promotional material produced by members of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, following a tightening up of its code of practice, it was announced this week.

The new code of practice, which comes into effect on 1 January 2006, also states that the rules on arrangements for industry meetings with patient advocacy groups are the same as those for health professionals. Companies must publish lists of all the patient organisations they fund, detailing every significant activity or ongoing operation.

The circumstances under which meetings can be held outside the UK have also been clarified and the code now states that companies must only offer economy air travel to delegates sponsored to attend meetings.

The new code bans the use of promotional competitions and quizzes.