What does the Code cover?

The Code covers the promotion of medicines to health professionals and other relevant decision makers. As well as covering promotional material, it covers other interactions, materials and activities including: samples; meetings; collaborative working which includes joint working, donations, grants; outcome or risk sharing agreements; patient access schemes; the conduct of non-interventional studies and contracted services provided by health professionals, other relevant decision makers, individuals representing patient organisations and member of the public including patients and journalist.

The Code also sets standards relating to the provision of information to patients and the public as well as standards for relationships with patient groups. The industry considers that provided the requirements of the Code are met, working with patients and patient organisations can bring significant public health benefits. These requirements also apply to working with all user organisations and other organisations such as disability associations, relative and carer associations and consumer associations.