IPCAA NEWSLETTER

Following continuing efforts to promote awareness of pharmaceutical industry codes and regulatory constraints on sponsors for medical congresses, it is evident that ongoing communication is needed to ensure maximum understanding for all parties involved.

Dissemination of compliance topics – through the pages of IPCAA News, participation in joint educational events, presentations at conferences, responses to direct enquiries to IPCAA and other channels – remains a priority issue for this Association.

It is clear from recent discussions, that IPCAA is viewed as an authoritative and reputable source of information on this topic by stakeholders in the medical meetings industry. Many organisations and individuals continue to ask for more comment and information on the status, origins, formulation or implementation of pharmaceutical industry codes and their actual and potential impact on the evolution of medical events.

As parties concerned in the organisation of congresses understand more why their meetings should take account of industry’s regulatory conditions for ethical reasons, requirements become better reflected in relevant aspects of congress organisation, to the benefit of all involved. This is becoming increasingly relevant on a global basis, with developing activities in areas such as Asia and the Middle East.

It is most important to note that it is the Pharmaceutical Industry that developed the codes, focusing primarily on the interests of patients, in an effort to selfregulate its own ethical behaviour when interacting with healthcare professionals.

Industry monitors, revises and updates them and the codes are a reality which is not going to disappear. They are constantly evolving and in certain respects, the various international, regional and national codes are showing signs of alignment. Medical device industry has been following similarly strict compliance requirements in recent years, having also understood that there is positive value to be gained from this.

IPCAA urges those who are involved in any way with the organisation and preparation of medical congresses and other meetings, to pay due attention to regulatory aspects (IFPMA, EFPIA, local and corporate), ensuring their staff are adequately informed and educated on relevant details. If assistance is required, please contact us.

Pharmaceutical codes of conduct are a defined framework within which we all have to cooperate for the benefit of patients – let’s ensure everyone concerned realises this and respects our commitment.