ABPI Consultation on the proposed 2021 ABPI Code of Practice
The consultation is closed.
The link to the ABPI consultation on the proposed 2021 ABPI Code here.
For PMCPA Guide to the consultation and support documents please scroll down.
The overall aim of updating the ABPI Code is to support high quality compliance decisions and to ensure that the Code remains relevant, effective and fit for the future, whilst continuing to support high standards in patient care and a positive reputation for industry.
As a member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the ABPI must ensure that the changes introduced during the recent consolidation of the EFPIA Codes are reflected in the new ABPI Code, and this requires some adjustments. The new EFPIA Code format has been helpful in designing the proposed ABPI Code format.
Opinion research into the ABPI Code was carried out in early 2019 and identified three themes: outline principles, improve accessibility and future proofing the Code. Later in 2019 working groups of representatives from a wide range of member and non-member pharmaceutical companies provided further input and thinking on these and other areas of the Code. The proposed 2021 ABPI Code reflects, to the extent possible, this feedback.
The ABPI consultation on the proposed 2021 ABPI Code is public and open to all, please respond by 8 September 2020.
If you have any queries about the content of the proposed 2021 ABPI Code please contact the PMCPA via: codeconsultation@pmcpa.org.uk
Consultation documents:
- Proposed 2021 ABPI Code of Practice
- Proposed 2021 disclosure template for transfers of value to healthcare professionals, other relevant decision makers and healthcare organisations
- Proposed 2021 optional disclosure template for patient organisations and the public
The following Guide has been developed by the PMCPA to support the review of the proposed 2021 ABPI Code of Practice:
Additional documents:
- PMCPA presentation to outline the proposed changes
- 2019 ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry
- EFPIA Code of Practice 2020
- IFPMA Code of Practice 2019
- EFPIA 'Working together with patients' (principles for remuneration)
- Draft 2019 ABPI Code of Practice marked up with the requirements of UK law, and applicable IFPMA and EFPIA codes
- Draft working document of the proposed 2021 Code, with tracked changes indicating the source of the content. (Added 23 July 2021)
PMCPA webinars will be held during the consultation period, details will be provided shortly.
The ABPI and PMCPA welcome and value feedback from across the healthcare and other interested sectors and believe this will help to ensure the ABPI Code and self-regulation remain strong and effective. Every effort has been made to ensure that the proposal is of a high standard, however we welcome the identification of any error or inconsistency, however trivial it might seem.
Next Steps
All submissions and suggestions will be reviewed and considered in the development of the final version of the 2021 ABPI Code. This will then be provided to the ABPI Board together with an anonymised summary of the comments. The ABPI Board will agree the final proposals which will then be considered at a general meeting of ABPI Members for approval. The summary of comments will also be published.
Once approved the new ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry will be published by 1 January 2021.
The 2019 Code of Practice will remain in force until 30 June 2021.
The 2021 Code will come into force on 1 July 2021.