Europe's R&D drugmakers pledge to limit 'sampling' to doctors

Aiming to avoid criticism of marketing practices, Europe's leading research-based drugmakers, via their trade group the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), have agreed to curb activities such as providing samples to physicians.

Andrew Witty, EFPIA president and chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline, stated: 'Our industry needs to be in touch with society's expectations and with peoples' appropriate demands for both greater transparency and for a greater commitment to high ethical standards. Today's leadership statement is made in this spirit. It strongly reaffirms our commitment to our existing Codes of Practice and to their continuous improvement. We believe that full adherence to these codes is essential, and that breaches should not be tolerated.'

The statement, agreed by industry leaders, provides the EFPIA and its member associations with a clear mandate to champion and enforce the highest possible standards by reviewing a number of areas and, where necessary, issuing additional guidance, the trade group; declared. The areas for consideration include the conduct of medical sales representatives, placing restrictions on the provision of samples to health care professionals, standards for industry sponsorship of exhibitions and medical congresses, and relationships with patient organizations.