Drugs |
(Reuters) - The global pharmaceutical industry is tightening its code of practice in a bid to stamp out bribery and corruption, particularly in emerging markets.
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations said on Thursday it had expanded and strengthened the code to ensure "the highest ethical and professional standards."
Bribes paid to foreign doctors and other state employees are shaping up as a major legal liability threat for Big Pharma, which has already forked out billions of dollars to settle mis-selling scandals in the United States.
Johnson & Johnson settled for $78 million with British and U.S. authorities last April, after disclosing payments to doctors in Greece, Poland and Romania, while Pfizer reached an outline deal in a separate case late last year.
The new IFPMA code extends the rules covering drug company behavior to also include interactions with medical institutions and patient organizations, as well as healthcare professionals, such as prescribing doctors.
It also makes clearer the dividing line between promotional aid and items of medical utility - which are allowed, and personal and cash gifts - which are not.
Permitted payments for entertainment are being curtailed, although they will still be allowed when interactions with drug firms are of a scientific or educational nature, including events at large medical meetings.
"The new code provides a framework for the industry to act with integrity and build trust," said IFPMA President and AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan. "This is not about doing the easy thing, but the right thing."
The Geneva-based organization sees a particular role for its expanded code of practice in thinly regulated and smaller emerging markets, where national pharmaceutical organizations may have no presence.
But Tim Reed, director of Health Action International, an Amsterdam-based group that is critical of many industry practices, is not convinced the IFPMA has the teeth to make sure its edicts are implemented on the ground.
In the five years since the publication of the last code, the IFPMA has examined only four complaints against member companies - although more cases have been taken up by national organizations.
"There is a difference between intent and action," Reed said. "When you drill down to what is happening in developing countries, it is clear that it is just not applied. There is a real problem with enforcement because there is no punitive action as a result of transgression."
The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations said on Thursday it had expanded and strengthened the code to ensure "the highest ethical and professional standards."
Bribes paid to foreign doctors and other state employees are shaping up as a major legal liability threat for Big Pharma, which has already forked out billions of dollars to settle mis-selling scandals in the United States.
Johnson & Johnson settled for $78 million with British and U.S. authorities last April, after disclosing payments to doctors in Greece, Poland and Romania, while Pfizer reached an outline deal in a separate case late last year.
The new IFPMA code extends the rules covering drug company behavior to also include interactions with medical institutions and patient organizations, as well as healthcare professionals, such as prescribing doctors.
It also makes clearer the dividing line between promotional aid and items of medical utility - which are allowed, and personal and cash gifts - which are not.
Permitted payments for entertainment are being curtailed, although they will still be allowed when interactions with drug firms are of a scientific or educational nature, including events at large medical meetings.
"The new code provides a framework for the industry to act with integrity and build trust," said IFPMA President and AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan. "This is not about doing the easy thing, but the right thing."
The Geneva-based organization sees a particular role for its expanded code of practice in thinly regulated and smaller emerging markets, where national pharmaceutical organizations may have no presence.
But Tim Reed, director of Health Action International, an Amsterdam-based group that is critical of many industry practices, is not convinced the IFPMA has the teeth to make sure its edicts are implemented on the ground.
In the five years since the publication of the last code, the IFPMA has examined only four complaints against member companies - although more cases have been taken up by national organizations.
"There is a difference between intent and action," Reed said. "When you drill down to what is happening in developing countries, it is clear that it is just not applied. There is a real problem with enforcement because there is no punitive action as a result of transgression."
Read current news at http://bbc-cnn-worldnews.blogspot.com
chenlina20150828
ReplyDeletelouboutin shoes
coach outlet
hollister clothing store
fake watches
ralph lauren polo shirts
cheap jerseys
polo ralph lauren uk
coach factory outlet
michael kors bags
mcm bags
fake oakleys
air max 90
new jordans
instyler curling iron
cheap jerseys wholesale
kate spade handbags
cheap jordans
michael kors handbags
jordan pas cher femme
christian louboutin outlet
gucci outlet
ray ban glasses
giuseppe zanotti outlet
longchamp handbags
burberry outlet
toms outlet store
pandora jewelry
kd shoes
tory burch flats
oakley sunglasses
michael kors
oakley sunglasses
michael kors
ralph lauren outlet
coach factory outlet
abercrombie
louis vuitton outlet
north face jacket
nike air max
imitation watches
as
coach outlet online
ReplyDeletecoach outlet store online
michael kors outlet
Michael Kors Online Outlet
Cheap Michael Kors
Michael Kors Outlet Store
michael kors tote
Michael Kors Sale
michael kors Chicago Premium Outlets
michael kors purses
michael kors outlet online store 49.00 outlet
Michael Kors Outlet Online Store
jordan retro 13
jordan 11
jordans 11
kd 7
nike air max
nike air max thea
nike free 4.0
nike store
louboutin outlet
christian louboutin boots
mbt canada
discount mbt Shoes
fitflops on sale
fitflops shoes
Nike Kobe 9
All Balck Huarache
Red Bottom Shoes
christian louboutin 2016
jordans for sale
jordans 2016
jordans 2015