Implementation and enforcement

Each unit has local review and approval processes in place to ensure adherence to the relevant codes. Finally, compliance with NP⁴ across the Pharmaceuticals Division is verified by Group Auditing.

As part of the industry’s wider efforts to raise standards of integrity in marketing across the pharmaceutical sector as a whole, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) revised its code of marketing ethics for the global pharmaceutical industry in 2007.

The IFPMA code sets standards for ethical promotion of pharmaceutical products and member companies' interactions with healthcare professionals. In addition, it clarifies guidelines for events, sponsorships and other types of promotion; sets limits on entertainment and social activities funded by member companies; and restricts personal gifts for healthcare professionals. As part of our ethical marketing practices, Novartis is committed to providing scientifically sound, relevant and appropriate information to healthcare professionals and patients.