Europe’s member states are at loggerheads over plans to relax current restrictions on pharma communicating with patients.

The plans tabled by Commissioner Verheugen would allow pharma to communicate directly with patients via mediums like the internet, though through a strict vetting system. This would end current rules which outlaw any communication with patients, but Europe is deeply divided on the issue.

The various governments divide into two broad camps  those who favour a more liberal approach to regulating pharmas communications, and those who demand more restrictions.

The UK, Sweden, and Denmark are among the most prominent countries who want a more liberal approach, while Germany, France and Spain take a more conservative approach.

The pharma industry’s European body EFPIA is keen to see a change to the status quo, but spokesman Colin Mackay is not optimistic of a breakthrough any time soon: “We probably wont see much happening this or next year,” he said.

Tuesday , September 01, 2009

[1] http://www.pharmafocus.com/cda/focusH/1,2109,21-0-0-SEP_2009-focus_news_detail-0-493131,00.html