PMCPA Partners with Pharma Industry to Make ABPI Code ‘Digital by Default’
eyeforpharma, London: The PMCPA are partnering with the pharma industry to bring the ABPI code of practice into the modern age.
Heather Simmonds, Director, PMCPA and Sarah Tomlinson, Director - Multichannel Marketing UK, GSK will be asking for industry input at this year’s Multichannel Marketing EU Summit in order to establish requirements and parameters for the new code to keep the industry in line with digital and technological developments.
Having recognised the extent to which digital communication has evolved over recent years, the group are surveying the industry to get a clearer picture of the concerns and uncertainties Pharmaceutical companies have towards keeping digital activities in line with the ABPI code. The PMCPA is keen to ensure that the code reflects an environment that is now digital by default, enabling a quicker industry response to new platforms and practices within the digital sphere as technology evolves and customer demand shifts.
The pair, who will also be presenting current findings on digital habits and attitudes at this year’s summit, will open up the debate to Pharma companies who historically have been accused of taking an outdated stance towards digital channels and the social web. The debate is a precursor to a PMCPA working group recommendation and will serve as a foundation for the shaping of the regulatory environment for companies currently doing business in the UK for many years to come.
“We want to identify the things Pharma Digital Marketers find difficult to do and, where appropriate, evolve the code,” says Tomlinson, “I lead the commercial signatories within GSK UK, as well as heading Multichannel marketing for the UK business and so fully identify with the issues.
She adds, “I am keen that this review and any changes accurately represent all of the Pharmaceutical Industry. The Multichannel Marketing EU Summit is a great opportunity for the industry to be involved in shaping this project and their wider regulatory environment.”
The Multichannel Marketing EU summit will be taking place from 7th – 8th November in London. To find out more about the PMCPA presentation, how you can participate in shaping future industry practices for the UK or to find out who else will be speaking, visit the official website.