Words by Jade Williams
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s (ABPI) 2024 Code of Practice was published today, including new procedures under the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA).
Designed to strengthen the ethical conduct of the UK pharma sector, the Code introduces key updates such as QR code-based access to prescribing information and a new complaints procedure. Mandatory requirements now include formalised agreements for supported stakeholder attendance at events.
Three significant changes coming to the code are as follows:
- An update to prescribing information has been entirely rewritten to allow printing on certain digital promotional materials to be accessed via QR codes, enabling HCPs to obtain the most current information easily.
- An updated PMCPA constitution and procedure, allowing a more streamlined handling of less serious complaints while allowing full assessments for more severe cases. This change aims to make the complaint resolution process faster and more efficient.
- Several elements previously considered best practice have now been made mandatory, including written agreements outlining the costs and terms when companies support HCPs or decision-makers in attending events or meetings.
“The updated ABPI Code of Practice and Constitution and Procedure will help ensure that the model of self-regulation in the UK remains robust and strengthens the operational abilities and independence of the PMCPA,” said Alex Fell, Chief Executive, PMCPA, in a press release.
Additionally, he said it will enable the PMCPA to deal with serious complaints more quickly, while ensuring that all complaints receive an appropriate outcome in a shorter timeframe. “Most importantly,” Fell added, “this updated ABPI Code strengthens our ability to hold the industry to the very highest standard of conduct and protect patient safety.”
These changes are expected to improve transparency, streamline complaints and enhance patient safety across the industry. The new Code comes into effect on 1 October 2024, however in the period between now and January 2025 no material or activity will be regarded as being in breach if it fails to comply with the new requirements.
