Code of practice for the pharmaceutical industry /

Abstract

The Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry, published by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), is a self‑regulatory ethical framework designed to promote high standards of conduct by the research‑based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. The Code sets out principles and rules governing interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals (HCPs), healthcare organisations (HCOs), and patient organisations, as well as the promotion and marketing of medicinal products to persons qualified to prescribe or supply medicines.

Aligned with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) Code, the IPHA Code complements Irish law — in particular the Medicinal Products (Control of Advertising) Regulations 2007 — to ensure that promotional activities are accurate, fair, balanced, and do not mislead, and that information provided about medicinal products supports rational decisions in healthcare.

Key elements include definitions of promotional activities, provisions on interactions and gifts, disclosure of transfers of value (ToVs) to HCPs and HCOs via a national database, and processes for compliance, complaints, and sanctions. The Code reinforces the industry’s commitment to ethical behaviour, professional integrity, respect for applicable law, and transparency in commercial‑professional relationships.

By establishing these standards, the IPHA Code aims to protect patient safety, support evidence‑based medicine use, and build public trust in the ethical conduct of pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland.