CODE OF ETHICS
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Code Of Ethics
BUILDING TRUST
At PHRMAG, we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards in the pharmaceutical industry. The foundation of our mission sets the framework for responsible and transparent practices. First enacted in 2005, adherence to the MEA Code of Promotional Practices is a binding requirement for all PHRMAG members.
Since its creation, the MEA Code has been regularly updated. The current version came into effect on January 1, 2022. The revisions mainly cover an update of the following articles:
Real World Evidence
Post Marketing Assessments/Studies of Marketed Medicines
Events & Hospitality Congresses
Symposia
Medical Education, Gifts and Other Items
Pharmaceutical Industry and Patient Organisation
In addition, a new article has been added: Due Diligence (DD) on Third Party Intermediaries (TPI).
Key elements of the MEA Code include: substantiation of promotional activities, post-marketing studies, fees for services, CME support, interactions with patient organisations, pharmaceutical company staff and information on how complaints should be handled under the Code enforcement procedure.
Any healthcare professional, company or member of the general public may file a complaint reporting a breach of any provision of the MEA Code. Complaints can be reported to PHRMAG office at Shahad.m@phrmag.com
2005
First written by PhRMA, MEA LAWG and LERB members, in line with IFPMA and EFPIA
Enforceable among all pharmaceutical companies in the MEA region
Aligned with international standards and practices
2010
First Revision:
Sections added: Post Marketing studies, Grants and Donations, Patient Organisations, Internet Usage…
Sections revised: Marketing Authorization and approved labeling. Direct to Consumer Communications, Events and hospitality…
2014
Revision to align with the IFPMA Code update, at a minimum
Revision of Events and hospitality and Gifts sections
Special focus on Appropriate location of meetings
2016
Revision of different articles: Samples, Implementation and Enforcement Procedures etc.
Added new articles:
Improvement in Patient Care Through Educational and Medical Programs
Guidelines on Interactions with Pharmacists
2021
Article Added:
Due Diligence (DD) on Third Party Intermediaries (TPI)
Articles Revised:
Real World Evidence, Post Marketing Assessments/ Studies and Non-interventional Studies of Marketed Medicines
Events & Hospitality Congresses Symposia – Medical Education
Gifts and Other Items
Pharmaceutical Industry and Patient Organisations
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