ABPI: Transparency is key to trust building

Transparency in the pharmaceutical sector is a key building block to acquire people’s trust and confidence, it has been suggested.

Richard Barker is director general of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and commented on the group’s recent commitment to inform the public more about research and development.

Although the sector has been criticised in the past for not being transparent enough, it now publishes details related to clinical trials and those with internet access can look at current projects, he said.

Mr Barker added that there were concerns from consumers that not enough money was being spent, so allowing more access to the workings of the industry is important.

“I think it’s very important that people know both what the focus is and how much money is being spent ? I think it would do everybody a lot of good to show people the work that is being done.”

According to the ABPI, prices for prescriptions are now 21 per cent cheaper in real terms compared to ten years ago.