To ensure and improve ongoing access for patients and HCPs to innovative, reliable, and effective medicines and vaccines, it is often necessary for research and development-based biopharmaceutical manufacturers (“Companies”) to contract with third parties to support their business activities.

These third parties can operate as clinical research organizations, distributors, wholesalers, distribution or sales agents, consultants, brokers, commission agents, and/or independent sales representatives (“Third Party Intermediaries” or “TPIs”). They serve an integral role in the biopharmaceutical sector and health systems, helping ensure patients, HCPs, institutions, and associations have access to company products and services. This Note for Guidance intends to provide non-binding best practices for Companies when working with TPIs.