Advert - Vifor Pharma

Alleged breach of undertaking

 

For failing to comply with undertakings given in two previous cases in relation to the promotion of Ferinject (ferric carboxymaltose), including sending a promotional email without the prior consent of a recipient and the use of misleading claims which favourably differentiated its IV iron from a competitor on the grounds of tolerability, Vifor Pharma was ruled in breach of the following clauses of the Code:

Clause 2 - Bringing discredit upon, and reducing confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry

Clause 29 - Failing to comply with an undertaking

In both Case AUTH/3199/5/19 and Case AUTH/3224/7/19 Vifor Pharma was reported to the Code of Practice Appeal Board(2) which was very concerned that the initial responses from Vifor could be described as obstructive, defensive, aggressive, dissembling and untrue. The Appeal Board noted Vifor’s subsequent responses to the PMCPA and its admission of errors and that it accepted responsibility for the breaches of the Code. Although Vifor submitted that there had been consequential changes in its senior management and the company was committed to change how it promoted its medicines, the Appeal Board publicly reprimanded Vifor for its failure to provide accurate and truthful information to the Code of Practice Panel and its disingenuous approach to responding to the complaints. The Appeal Board also required an audit of Vifor’s procedures in relation to the Code.

 

Advert - Feb 2021