What is the difference between the ABPI and the PMCPA?

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is recognised by the UK government as the industry body negotiating on behalf of the branded pharmaceutical industry for statutory consultation requirements including the pricing scheme for medicines in the UK.​​​​​​​ The ABPI represents innovative research-based biopharmaceutical companies (large, medium and small), leading an exciting new era of biosciences in the UK. The ABPI established the ABPI Code of Practice in 1958.

The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) was established by the ABPI in 1993 to administer the ABPI Code at arm's length from the ABPI itself. The Authority is responsible for the provision of advice, guidance and training on the ABPI Code, as well as for the operation of the complaint procedure whereby complaints about a pharmaceutical company's materials or activities are considered in relation to the requirements of the ABPI Code.