Last updated: 30 September 2024
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On 23 September, the updated 2024 ABPI Code of Practice was launched launched. It seeks to raise the high standards expected of pharmaceutical companies even further while also ensuring that complaints can be appropriately resolved more quickly.
Where can you view the 2024 ABPI Code of Practice?
You can download the 2024 Code of Practice here.
When does the 2024 ABPI Code of Practice come into effect?
The 2024 ABPI Code of Practice comes into effect on Tuesday, 1 October 2024.
- During the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024, no material or activity will be regarded as being in breach of the ABPI Code if it fails to comply with the new requirements of this edition.
- However, the PMCPA will start to operate under the new constitution and procedures from 1 October 2024, including the abridged complaints procedure.
- The 2024 ABPI Code of Practice will then come into full force on 1 January 2025.
The complaints page will be updated on the PMCPA website to reflect new abridged complaints procedure, which will be effective from 1 October 2024.
What are the main changes in the 2024 ABPI Code of Practice?
There are three key sets of changes in the 2024 ABPI Code of Practice as follows:
- 1. An update to how prescribing information can be provided (Clause 12)
- The most extensive changes to the ABPI Code have been made to this clause, which has been completely rewritten in consultation with the UK MHRA.
- The biggest change is that, for printed and certain digital promotional material, there is now the option for prescribing information to be provided via a QR code. This will allow health professionals to easily access the up-to-date version of the prescribing information.
- 2. A new ‘Constitution and Procedure’ for the PMCPA
- The updated Constitution and Procedure includes a new abridged complaints procedure for complaints that meet certain criteria.
- New text has also been added to strengthen the operational independence of the PMCPA in line with the regulatory principle of transparency and the public law principles of procedural fairness and lack of bias.
- 3. Elements of the ABPI Code moving from guidance to mandatory requirement
- i) The public database and its gateways
- The public database, Disclosure UK, hosts two data ‘gateways’ which sit alongside the main, interactive search.
- Both gateways are a collection of website links which take visitors to disclosure information published on individual company websites about either patient organisations or members of the public, including patients and journalists.
- Submitting links to these gateways is now mandatory under the 2024 ABPI Code – it was previously optional, although encouraged in line with 2021 ABPI Code principles.
- The updated mandatory template for disclosure agreed for the 2024 ABPI Code must be used to submit the 2024 data to Disclosure UK by 14:00 GMT Friday, 28 March 2025.
- ii) Companies providing support for individual health professionals and other relevant decision makers to attend events/meetings
- There must be a written agreement in place setting out what has been agreed, including the categories of cost such as registration fees, accommodation and/or travel.
- A written agreement for such support was previously considered best practice as stated in the guidelines on company procedures, however, it will now be mandatory under the 2024 ABPI Code.
Is/Are there any way(s) to learn more about the detail of the 2024 ABPI Code of Practice?
Yes, there are ways to learn more about the 2024 ABPI Code of Practice.
In October 2024:
- There will be three on-demand webinars to explain the changes to the ABPI Code and Constitution and Procedure
- An Interactive version of the ABPI Code available on the PMCPA website
- New FAQs will be provided for companies to assist in implementation
- A free e-learning module will be launched, targeted at individuals requiring an overview of the ABPI Code, such as charities, and health professionals
What will happen to the current guidance documents and FAQs on the Code of Practice?
Current guidance documents and FAQs will be updated or retired, in line with the requirements of the 2024 ABPI Code
Where can I find further information on the 2024 ABPI code?
You can find further information on the 2024 ABPI on the PMCPA website.
Further Reading
A New 2024 Code for the British Pharmaceutical Industry – “The Future is Orange” – 23 September 2024 . Adela Williams et al, Arnold & Porter.