The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has announced that Pinder Sahota has decided to step down as President of the ABPI.
ABPI stated that he has made this decision to "avoid an ongoing process around a Novo Nordisk ABPI Code of Practice breach becoming a distraction from the vital
work of the ABPI".
Richard Torbett, Chief Executive, ABPI, said: "Pinder is a passionate advocate for the industry, and I want to thank him for his valuable contribution as ABPI
President.
"I fully respect Pinder's decision to step down as ABPI President which will in no way affect the ongoing case relating to Novo Nordisk. Any breach of the ABPI
Code is taken extremely seriously and it is essential that all regulatory actions are robust, fair and transparent."
ABPI Vice-President, Susan Rienow, Country President of Pfizer, will temporarily take on the roles and responsibilities of the ABPI President until a new President
is chosen by the ABPI Board.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has suspended the membership of Novo Nordisk for two years due to serious breaches of its Code
of Practice.
The action was taken by the ABPI Board following an investigation and appeals process conducted by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA)
which found Novo Nordisk to be in breach of the ABPI Code of Practice, including Clause 2 which deals with actions "likely to bring discredit on, or reduce
confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry".
Having considered the case and requesting a further detailed audit of Novo Nordisk's compliance processes, the ABPI Board decided to suspend Novo Nordisk from ABPI
membership.
Susan Rienow, President-Elect, ABPI, said: "The ABPI Board has carefully considered the PMCPA's case report into Novo Nordisk and the subsequent audit of their
compliance procedures.
"The Board expressed significant concern about Novo Nordisk's compliance activities and the very serious issues identified. As a result, the ABPI Board have taken
the decision to suspend Novo Nordisk from ABPI membership.
Susan Rienow, UK Managing Director and Country President of Pfizer is all set to take up her role as President of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical
Industry (ABPI).
The association had announced her appointment in March. Last year in September she was appointed as the vice-president of ABPI.
In her new role, she will oversee the ABPI, the ABPI Board, and the ABPI's Code of Practice, which is administered by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice
Authority (PMCPA).
Susan takes up the Presidency as negotiations begin for a new Voluntary Scheme for branded medicines pricing between the government, NHS England and the ABPI.
All parties are looking to secure a new agreement that will help improve patient outcomes, support a healthier population and a financially sustainable NHS, while
also supporting economic growth for the UK.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) today released a new guidance to pharmaceutical companies using Disclosure UK which it said will boost transparency in the relationships between healthcare professionals, other relevant decision-makers and the industry.
The guidance encourages companies to use 'Legitimate Interests' as their lawful basis for processing individual's data, in order to increase the number of named healthcare professionals and other individuals on Disclosure UK, the database showing the payments and benefits in kind made by the pharmaceutical industry to doctors,nurses and other health professionals and organizations.
"I'm pleased the ABPI is launching this new guidance which will boost patient safety and public confidence in our healthcare professionals," Patient Safety and Primary Care Minister Maria Caulfield commented.