JAPAN CALL FOR MONITORING IN PMS

Post-marketing surveillance monitoring is being called for by the director of the Japanese Economic Affairs Division of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Bureau of Koseisho, Takeshi Erikawa. He said in an address on reform of the ethical drug distribution system in Japan that some medical facilities complained of inappropriate practices by manufacturers regarding PMS, such as offering money and services, reports Pharma Japan.

He has called for manufacturers to create an independent monitoring unit in order to keep activities within the Fair Competition Code. The code is currently being revised in order to incorporate stricter regulations on case reports and fees.

Mr Erikawa also asked the industry to improve trade practices related to non-price competition, suggesting consideration be given to the idea of issuing punishments for violations so that companies can supervise each other more closely.