Guidance
Code Info Sessions
Notes from the Help Desk
Introducing Code Edition 20 – November 2024
8:25 – The Journey to Edition 20.
21:55 – Key changes: technology and HCP interactions.
31:18 – Key changes: consumer media.
40:30 – Key changes: scientific exchange.
48:58 – Key changes: ICD, complaints and non-member inclusions.
1:04:07 – Transparency reporting transition.
Introduction to the Code – August 2022
9:39 What is the Code of Conduct
12:30 How does the Code relate to other regulatory bodies, such as the TGA?
11:36 What does “ethical conduct” mean?
32:02 How do you apply the principles of the Code in practice?
46:27 How is the Code administered?
Medicines Australia leads the research-based pharmaceutical industry of Australia. Our members discover, develop, and manufacture medicines and vaccines that help people live longer, healthier lives and bring social and economic benefits to Australia. Our members invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments to the world.
Australia’s innovative pharmaceutical companies support the quality and safe use of medicines. In doing so, we conduct ourselves ethically, ensuring that our communication is appropriate and relevant to those relying on our medicines, including patients, their carers and families, healthcare professionals, and the broader community.
This Code is a form of industry self-regulation; it sets an accountable standard for ensuring the Australian pharmaceutical industry acts with integrity and honesty to improve patient care. We hold ourselves to higher standards than other industries because we owe it to the patients who rely on our medicines. Patient trust is at the heart of our industry, and it is through our ethical behaviour that we build that trust, and respect the independence of healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders.
We join together, as Medicines Australia, to make sure that our conduct is of the highest standard and that the environment in which we provide access to our medicines is sustainable and fair. The Australian pharmaceutical industry promotes the safe and effective use of medicines as embodied in the National Medicines Policy, and is a recognised partner to support the Policy’s aim, which is to ensure Australians have fair, timely, reliable, and affordable access to high-quality medicines.
Scope
The Constitution of Medicines Australia Limited provides that each Member Company must conform to and be bound by both the Constitution and this Code of Conduct. In addition, the Therapeutic Goods Administration states that, as a condition of registration, prescription medicines must be promoted in accordance with this Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, whether the Company is a member or non-member.
This Code of Conduct is underpinned by the Therapeutic Goods Act and Regulations and supports the application of the Act in the Australian regulatory setting for prescription medicines.
The Code does not apply to clinical research activities.
Interpreting this Code
This Code of Conduct provides a principles-based framework for appropriate and ethical decision-making by companies when promoting prescription products and interacting with healthcare professionals, patient organisations, the general public and other stakeholders. It includes ten Overarching Principles that govern all activities covered by this Code, as well as more detailed provisions to support these activities.1
To enhance understanding and application of this Code, Medicines Australia has created Guidance and educational resources which are hosted in the Code Tool Kit. Both the Code and the Tool Kit are available from Medicines Australia’s website.
A Global Committment
Medicines Australia is recognised as a global leader in ethical behaviour in the innovative medicines industry. Medicines Australia is a member of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). This Code incorporates the principles of the IFPMA Code of Practice.
Further, Medicines Australia is a foundation signatory to the Australian Ethical Health Alliance’s Australian Consensus Framework for Ethical Collaborations in the Healthcare Sector, which is available from the AEHA’s website.
Where to Find Assistance
If you have any questions or enquiries in relation to the Code of Conduct, please contact Medicines Australia:
Ethics and Compliance Team, Medicines Australia
17 Denison Street, Deakin ACT 2600
Phone: (02) 6147 6500
Email: codehelpdesk@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Web: medicinesaustralia.com.au
To lodge a complaint, or for information on the complaints process, please email codehelpdesk@medicinesaustralia.com.au