- Code covers all interactions with healthcare professionals, medical institutions, and patient organizations
- Code provides effective framework for ethical business practices
- Company and association members of IFPMA adopt updated standards
Today the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) announced that its expanded Code of Practice is in effect around the world. Governing how companies interact with healthcare professionals, medical institutions and patient organizations, this new Code has been adopted by all IFPMA member companies and member associations.
“Advancing medical knowledge and improving global public health depend on regular information-sharing interactions between the medical community and pharmaceutical companies. These exchanges ensure patients benefit from the most up-to-date information regarding medicines,” says Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA Director General. “Ensuring that governments, healthcare providers and patients are confident that interactions with our members are conducted to the highest ethical and professional standards is our commitment.”
In March, 2012, IFPMA announced a six month period for members to adopt the updated Code. Beyond addressing interactions, the Code now also includes high-level guiding principles for practice, a clear distinction between gifts, promotional aids and items of medical utility, guidance for supporting continuing medical education, and a provision on disclosure of clinical trials information. The Code continues to provide guidance for filing complaints and prohibits preapproval promotional activities for pharmaceutical products, company-sponsored entertainment at events, and providing or offering personal gifts to healthcare professionals.
Geneva, 1 September 2012
