UK's MHRA won't take action on Roche's Xenical marketing

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has decided not to pursue a case against Swiss drug major Roche after sanctions were imposed last year by the industry's trade body, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, over aggressive sales practices related to the slimming drug Xenical (orlistat) in private clinics, reports the Financial Times.

This decision clears the way for the issue to be discussed in Brussels by the Enterprise and Industry Directorate of the European Commission in a case that highlights uncertainties in the respective disciplinary roles of national, European Union and professional regulators, the FT notes.

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority, the self-regulatory arm of the ABPI, suspended Roche from membership for 12 months last year for 'bringing the pharmaceutical industry into disrepute' over Xenical. The reprimand involved no financial penalty and triggered a separate investigation by the MHRA.