The research-based pharmaceutical industry is the primary source of information about its own products and recognises its responsibility for ensuring product information is accurate and does not mislead. Advertising and promotion are an essential for informing health care professionals about new medicines and new uses for existing medicines. Self-regulation, via the IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, supplemented by member association and company codes, sets standards for the ethical promotion of medicines.

• IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (English)
• Code de la FIIM sur les bonnes pratiques de promotion des médicaments (français)
• Código FIIM de buenas prácticas para la promoción de los medicamentos (español)

The latest revision of the IFPMA Code came into effect on 1st January 2007. Key elements include more restrictive provisions on travel, gifts and scientific events, plus the establishment of a Code Complaint Procedure and a Code Compliance Network, bringing together code experts from all over the world. The “promotion and support of ethical practices” was one of the principles on which the IFPMA was founded in 1968. The IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices was created in 1981 and has been updated frequently since then.

Article 3 of the IFPMA Statutes requires all IFPMA member associations and companies to adhere to the provisions of the IFPMA Code. This means that the promotion of any medicinal product, anywhere in the world, by any company that is a member of the IFPMA or a member of an IFPMA member association, must be in accordance with the provisions of the IFPMA Code.

Many IFPMA member associations, such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), have developed their own marketing codes, which apply on their own national territory. These must reflect the minimum standards of the IFPMA Code, but may contain more stringent provisions. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has a marketing code which applies in all EU Member States. Certain IFPMA member companies have also developed their own internal marketing codes. To ensure transparency, IFPMA member association and member company codes are accessible via this site.

IFPMA member associations with their own codes handle alleged breaches occuring on their own national territories. In countries where there is no national code, the IFPMA investigates complaints and, if the IFPMA Code is found to have been breached, will publish the name of the company concerned and its offense(s). Complaints can be notified to the IFPMA Secretariat, which will ensure that they are dealt with by the appropriate body.