ABPI suspends MSD for “serious” regulation breaches

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has suspended Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) for “serious breaches” of the association’s code of practice.

A complaint was lodged against the company by a former sales representative who explained that a screening programme offered to GPs by the company was used to promote Cozaar, a blood pressure drug.

Although screening programmes offered by drug companies are allowed, they are supposed to be impartial and the manner in which MSD linked the programme to the promotion of a drug was “totally unacceptable”, according to the panel of prescription medicines code of practice authority, which enforces the ABPI code of practice.

In response, MSD has been suspended from the association for three months and has received a public admonishment of its conduct.

Nigel Brooksby, president of the ABPI, said that the “highest possible ethical standards” were necessary in the pharmaceutical industry.

“Breaches of the code are viewed in the most serious possible light, and this is reflected in the suspension,” he added.

Mr Brooksby concluded by saying that it was “reassuring” that MSD recognised the seriousness of the regulation breaches and was taking corrective action.

Chris Round, the managing director of MSD UK, said in a statement: “We are working hard to reaffirm our core values and standards, and restore confidence and pride in our business practices.”

Earlier this year, Abbott Laboratories was suspended for six months after the ABPI found the company had offered “inappropriate” hospitality for corporate guests. Abbott has since been reinstated.