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Letters to the Editor
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ABPI code extends beyond legal requirements
From Ms H. Simmonds
The Pharmaceutical Journal (3 February, pp129–31), published five
letters (criticising, inter alia, the content of, and AstraZeneca’s
role in, an insert discussing statins sent with the PJ of 20 January.
As is our usual practice the criticisms have been taken up as complaints
under the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) code
of practice for the pharmaceutical industry. If prima facie cases are established,
details will appear on our website
It is disappointing that the PJ did not mention the ABPI code in the editorial
comments — particularly as it is drawn up in consultation with the
Royal Pharmaceutical Society and reports on cases regularly appear in the
PJ. In addition details of certain cases are advertised in the PJ. The
leading article (ibid, p120) mentioned “industrial or regulatory
codes of practice” in the context of the document not breaking such
codes as far as the PJ was aware. In line with its procedures the Prescription
Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) will first determine whether
AstraZeneca’s document comes within the scope of the code and then
whether or not there has been a breach.
The editor mentioned the Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency complaints procedure (p131). The MHRA, ABPI and PMCPA have drawn up a memorandum
of understanding which sets out the roles of the parties in the regulation
of the promotion of medicines for prescribing and it is available on the
PMCPA and MHRA websites. The MHRA supports self regulation and sees efficient,
stringent and transparent self regulation as a means of ensuring that the
regulatory requirements are met by self regulation with intervention by
the MHRA when there is a clear case for protection. The ABPI code reflects
and extends beyond UK legal requirements.
Pharmacists who are concerned about pharmaceutical company materials or
activities should contact the PMCPA (tel 020 7747 8880, e-mail complaints@pmcpa.org.uk).
Heather Simmonds
Director
Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal