• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Manufacturing
    • Packaging
    • Development
    • Compliance
    • Top 25
    • Directory
    • Microsites
    • Events
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Manufacturing
  • Packaging
  • Development
  • Compliance
  • Top 25
  • Directory
  • Microsites
  • Events
  • Current / Back Issue
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    High Drug Loading Amorphous Solid Dispersions

    Parenteral Drug Delivery Trends

    Selecting the Right Outsourcing Model for Emerging Biotech

    Inhaled Drug Delivery Technology

    The Future of Biologics: Accelerating Production, Reducing Costs
    Breaking News
    Online Exclusives
    Industry News
    Collaborations & Alliances
    Promotions & Moves
    Trials & Filings
    Financial Reports
    Bio News & Views
    Custom Sourcing News
    Packaging & Tracking
    CRO News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Spark Therapeutics Appoints CTO

    Cryoport Launches ESG Program

    U.S. Govt. Purchases 100k Doses of Lilly's COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail

    Thermo Fisher Scientific Completes Mesa Biotech Acquisition

    Ashfield Engage, Popit Form Digital Monitoring Collaboration
    APIs
    Aseptic Processing
    Cleaning Validation
    Clinical Trial Materials
    Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
    Equipment
    Excipients
    Extractables and Leachables
    Facilities
    Fill/Finish
    Lyophilization
    Parenterals
    Process Development
    Process Validation
    Risk Management
    Scale-up/ Technology Transfer
    Solid Dosage/ Creams/ Ointments

    Solid Dose Market Trends

    CatSci Opens New Site in UK

    Pfizer Partners with Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Center

    C2 Pharma Completes Multiple Regulatory Filings

    Bormioli Opens New Glass Research Center
    Capsules
    Cold Chain Management
    Injectables
    Logistics
    Serialization
    Solid Dosage / Semi-solids
    Supply Chain
    Vials

    Covectra Introduces Next-Gen Serialization Solution

    Bormioli Opens New Glass Research Center

    Centrient Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Astral SteriTech

    Seasonal Vaccine Manufacturing

    PwC Joins Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre
    Analytical Services
    Bioanalytical Services
    Bioassay Developement
    Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
    Biosimilars
    Chemistry
    Clinical Trials
    Drug Delivery
    Drug Development
    Drug Discovery
    Formulation Development
    Information Technology
    Laboratory Testing
    Methods Development
    Microbiology
    Preclinical Outsourcing
    R&D
    Toxicology

    Ashfield Engage, Popit Form Digital Monitoring Collaboration

    AMRI Contributes to Efforts to Increase COVID-19 Vax Supply

    CatSci Opens New Site in UK

    Pfizer Partners with Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Center

    CrownBio & JSR Life Sciences Partner with Cambridge Quantum Computing
    Filtration & Purification
    GMPs/GCPs
    Inspections
    QA/QC
    Regulatory Affairs
    Validation

    The Year of COVID: How FDA Coped with a Worldwide Pandemic in 2020 and What to Expect in 2021

    Top BioPharma Form Accumulus Synergy

    Global Biosciences Co. Selects ValGenesis VLMS

    Gene Therapy Co. Selects ValGenesis' SaaS Platform

    The Year of COVID: How FDA Coped with a Worldwide Pandemic in 2020 and What to Expect in 2021
    Companies
    Categories
    Corporate Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Contract Service Directory Companies
    Aphena Pharma Solutions

    PCI Pharma Services

    Syngene

    Almac Group

    Adare Pharma Solutions
    Companies
    News Releases
    Posters
    Brochures
    Services
    Videos
    Case Study
    White Papers
    Jobs
    Contract Service Directory Companies
    Alcami

    PCI Pharma Services

    Aphena Pharma Solutions

    Adare Pharma Solutions

    Syngene
    Webinars
    Live From Shows
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
      • Enewsletter Archive
      • Digital Edition
    • Directory
      • Companies
      • Categories
      • Corporate Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Manufacturing
      • APIs
      • Aseptic Processing
      • Cleaning Validation
      • Clinical Trial Materials
      • Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
      • Equipment
      • Excipients
      • Extractables and Leachables
      • Facilities
      • Fill/Finish
      • Lyophilization
      • Parenterals
      • Process Development
      • Process Validation
      • Risk Management
      • Scale-up/ Technology Transfer
      • Solid Dosage/ Creams/ Ointments
      • cGMP Manufacture
    • Packaging
      • Capsules
      • Cold Chain Management
      • Injectables
      • Logistics
      • Serialization
      • Solid Dosage / Semi-solids
      • Supply Chain
      • Vials
    • Development
      • Analytical Services
      • Bioanalytical Services
      • Bioassay Developement
      • Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
      • Biosimilars
      • Chemistry
      • Clinical Trials
      • Drug Delivery
      • Drug Development
      • Drug Discovery
      • Formulation Development
      • Information Technology
      • Laboratory Testing
      • Methods Development
      • Microbiology
      • Preclinical Outsourcing
      • R&D
      • Toxicology
    • Compliance
      • Filtration & Purification
      • GMPs/GCPs
      • Inspections
      • QA/QC
      • Regulatory Affairs
      • Validation
    • Top 25 Pharma & BioPharma
    • Contract Pharma Direct
    • Breaking News
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Surveys
      • Outsourcing Survey
      • Salary Survey
    • Glossary
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • White Papers
    • Infographics
    • Contract Pharma Conference
      • Contract Pharma Conference
      • Speakers
      • Exhibitors
      • Conference Sessions
    • Supplier Microsite
      • Companies
      • News Releases
      • Posters
      • Brochures
      • Services
      • Videos
      • Case Study
      • White Papers
    • eBook
    • Webinars
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Classifieds / Job Bank
      • Classifieds
      • Job Bank
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    India Report

    Marketing Code Round The Corner

    Proposal to limit giveaways; offenders face product ban

    Related CONTENT
    • India Emerges as Hot Spot for Manufacturing COVID-19 Vaccines
    • CPhI North America Event Info
    • Outsourcing Partnerships: Trends in the CDMO Sector
    • GSK Selects SciBite’s Semantic Platform
    • Cancer Trials in the New Age of Drug Development
    S. Harachand, Contributing Editor09.01.17
    The marketing landscape for pharmaceutical products is unlikely to remain the same in India in the days to come. Indications are that the federal government is all set to enforce uniform marketing code to ensure ethical marketing practices across the country.  

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) under the Ministry of Chemicals is currently reviewing the final draft of marketing rules for pharmaceuticals and the order announcing the enforcement date is due out any time now, according to reports.

    It is not that India does not currently have marketing guidelines for pharma products. It does. However, it is a voluntary system. No penal provisions exist for violators.

    In November 2014, India introduced the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) and implemented the first draft for a period of six months beginning January 1, 2015. Following a review, DoP extended the trial for a year and brought the medical devices industry under its purview.

    While extending the voluntary code again for a second time “till further orders,” DoP reminded the pharma marketers that the government would be forced to make the rules mandatory if the industry failed to self regulate.

    The voluntary rules restricted drug and device makers  from offering hospitality to any doctor, healthcare professional or their family. It also proposed medical practitioners bear their own expenses if participating as a delegate in a CME, conference or seminar organized by a pharma company.

    So far as funding of medical research is concerned, drug makers can do it through approved institutions but the details should be fully disclosed. It listed stringent provisions for promotional activities and supply of free medicine samples to doctors, among others.

    The government, however, found the voluntary UCPMP guidelines failed to deliver as instances of violations became rampant. Moreover, healthcare campaigners have long been demanding stricter laws to end the “unholy nexus” between pharma companies and medical professionals which is proving detrimental to patients’ interests.

    The new regulations, reportedly, put no bar on drug makers from holding sponsored trips for medical professionals to attend educational conferences and scientific workshops, provided the firms keep all the records including the minutes, expenses and the agenda of such meetings open for verification.

    The draft of the proposals, which has been worked out after consultation with the health ministry, Medical Council of India and other stakeholders, however, limits the marketing spend for drug promotion drastically. For example, the value of gifts and other incentives extended to medical professionals and chemists is restricted to 1,000 rupees (around $15). This permissible value for a giveaway is enough to ensure the brand recall, which is often cited by firms as a reason for distributing gifts, according to ministry officials.

    Also, with respect to  “physician’s sample” as per the new rules, companies can offer a doctor only the medicine required for full treatment courses for three patients for free.

    Companies are allowed to conduct awareness campaigns and disease screening camps at public health centers but the rules forbid stealth promotion of products. Likewise, drug companies are barred from making any claims on the efficacy of the product without solid scientific evidence.

    Violators will face harsh penalties as the government mandates the rules to be followed in “letter and spirit” once it comes into force.

    Penal provisions of the current draft are ranging from a warning to suspension on the sale of the company’s products for up to a year or confiscation of all packs, depending upon the severity of the breach. Drug makers may also have to deal with a provision that would see them face a marketing ban on top of having to pay hefty penalties if the don’t comply with the new rules.

    The new rules also propose the position of an Ethics Compliance Officer to keep track of violations and ensure compliance.

    The code will cover the entire supply chain of pharmaceuticals and medical devices including retailers, distributors, wholesalers and doctors across the country.

    Industry groups welcome the move viewing the mandatory rules, when implemented, as a way to reign in controversial practices employed by certain companies to promote sales. Early enforcement of the code with better transparency can remove the ongoing uncertainty. At the same time, they argue that the rules should not interfere with the doctors’ need to learn about new medical advances in the field through continuing medical education.

    Meanwhile, certain firms have already initiated their own marketing codes to allay public mistrust. GSK Pharmaceuticals India, which started new healthcare marketing code to cover its field staff and doctors last year, is an example. The company stopped target-linked incentives for its 3,000-strong sales force as part of its Patient Focused Selling program. GSK also decided to withdraw direct payments made to doctors for speaking engagements.


    S. Harachand
    Contributing Editor

    S. Harachand is a pharmaceutical journalist based in Mumbai. He can be reached at harachand@gmail.com.
    Related Searches
    • it
    • marketing
    • supply chain
    • patients
    Suggested For You
    India Emerges as Hot Spot for Manufacturing COVID-19 Vaccines India Emerges as Hot Spot for Manufacturing COVID-19 Vaccines
    CPhI North America Event Info CPhI North America Event Info
    Outsourcing Partnerships:  Trends in the CDMO Sector Outsourcing Partnerships: Trends in the CDMO Sector
    GSK Selects SciBite’s Semantic Platform GSK Selects SciBite’s Semantic Platform
    Cancer Trials in the New Age of Drug Development Cancer Trials in the New Age of Drug Development
    5 GlaxoSmithKline 5 GlaxoSmithKline
    2 Novartis 2 Novartis
    India Frames Guidance for Drug Surveillance India Frames Guidance for Drug Surveillance
    GSK Selects 3rd Target in Immunocore Oncology Alliance GSK Selects 3rd Target in Immunocore Oncology Alliance
    Exscientia Enters Drug Discovery Collaboration with GSK Exscientia Enters Drug Discovery Collaboration with GSK
    Patheon to Invest $45M to Expand Capabilities  Patheon to Invest $45M to Expand Capabilities
    Top Indian Firms Expand Base  in the U.S. Top Indian Firms Expand Base in the U.S.
    Solving the Pharma Talent Crunch Solving the Pharma Talent Crunch
    Indian Generic Firms  Expand Biosimilar Portfolios Indian Generic Firms Expand Biosimilar Portfolios
    The Results Are In! The Results Are In!

    Related India Report

    • Injectables Firms Expand Capacity

      Injectables Firms Expand Capacity

      CDMOs see steriles demand grow.
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 11.17.20

    • Supply Chain Woes Vex Markets

      Supply Chain Woes Vex Markets

      Indian players ramp up chloroquine production
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 09.09.20

    • HCQ Comes Center Stage

      HCQ Comes Center Stage

      Indian players ramp up chloroquine production
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 05.05.20


    • Supply Chain
      Oral Solids Makers Face Corona Heat

      Oral Solids Makers Face Corona Heat

      CDMOs fear supply disruptions, price increases.
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 03.04.20

    • Biosimilars
      The Similar Mantra

      The Similar Mantra

      Early birds bet big on biosimilars.
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 01.28.20

    • APIs
      India to Track API Packs

      India to Track API Packs

      India is mulling a shakeup in the regulations governing the distribution of pharmaceutical products.
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 11.20.19


    • R&D
      Indian Firms Ramp Up R&D

      Indian Firms Ramp Up R&D

      Accelerating on research spend.
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 10.15.19

    • Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
      Highly Potent Expansions

      Highly Potent Expansions

      CDMOs see HPAPI demand rising
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 09.16.19

    • The Orphan Promise

      The Orphan Promise

      New policy on rare disease treatments likely soon
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 06.13.19


    • Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
      Ebullient Bio CMOs

      Ebullient Bio CMOs

      Firms see rich dividends from biosimilars
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 05.07.19

    • R&D
      Strategic Discovery

      Strategic Discovery

      CROs top offerings with biology skills.
      S. Harachand , Contributing Editor 10.10.18

    • HPAPI Outsourcing Likely to Gain Traction

      HPAPI Outsourcing Likely to Gain Traction

      A number of highly potent drugs will soon fall into the generic domain
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 09.11.18


    • Packaging Majors Expand Base in India

      Packaging Majors Expand Base in India

      India’s pharma packaging market is growing at a faster pace than other world markets
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 03.09.18

    • Acquisition Spree

      Acquisition Spree

      Indian firms topped the list of aggressive bidders even as the frenzy of deal making in the global generics space passes into
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 01.30.18

    • Drug Delivery
      Growing NDDS Portfolios

      Growing NDDS Portfolios

      Generic drugs on novel delivery platforms
      S. Harachand, Contributing Editor 10.11.17

    Trending
    • Pfizer Selects Seven Bridges To Support RNA Sequencing Data
    • Pfizer Partners With Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Center
    • Catalent Acquires Delphi Genetics
    • Charles River Acquires CDMO Cognate BioServices
    • Spark Therapeutics Appoints CTO
    Breaking News
    • Spark Therapeutics Appoints CTO
    • Cryoport Launches ESG Program
    • U.S. Govt. Purchases 100k Doses of Lilly's COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific Completes Mesa Biotech Acquisition
    • Ashfield Engage, Popit Form Digital Monitoring Collaboration
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    January/February 2021

    • High Drug Loading Amorphous Solid Dispersions
    • Parenteral Drug Delivery Trends
    • Selecting the Right Outsourcing Model for Emerging Biotech
    • Inhaled Drug Delivery Technology
    • The Future of Biologics: Accelerating Production, Reducing Costs
    • Business Intelligence For (and From) the Lab
    • Communicating Your Contracting Priorities to Your Drug Company Customers
    • COVID-19 Impact Report
    • The Year of COVID: How FDA Coped with a Worldwide Pandemic in 2020 and What to Expect in 2021
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Preliminary Study Links Markers of Impaired Bone Health to Vegan Diet
    Refined Grains Linked to Heart Attack Risk, Early Death
    Kappa Bioscience Extends Research Partnership For COVID-19 Research
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Nippon Paint Marine Wins Korea Export Award
    Universal Display Corporation, PPG Expand Global Production of UniversalPHOLED Materials
    PPG Introduces Premium Iso-free Primer Surfacer, Catalyst
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    January AI Raises $8.8 Million in New Funding
    FDA Clears Ava Fertility Tracking Wearable Device
    First Patient in Europe Treated With Diamondback 360 Coronary Orbital Atherectomy System
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Spark Therapeutics Appoints CTO
    Cryoport Launches ESG Program
    U.S. Govt. Purchases 100k Doses of Lilly's COVID-19 Antibody Cocktail
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    The Top Beauty Products of 2021, According to HelloGiggles
    Estée Lauder Taps Ana de Armas as Global Brand Ambassador
    Sephora Announces Significant Expansion
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    ACI Urges Senate to Approve Regan as EPA Administrator
    Estée Lauder Signs Actress Ana de Armas
    GUM Recalls Oral Spray
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Marshall & Bruce Adds Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 41-Inch Seven-Color Press
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    FTA converts Forum & INFOFLEX to virtual events
    Xeikon launches two new digital label printing presses
    UFlex adds capacity in packaging films
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Texas Medical Technology Partners with My Protect Kit
    Mexico City Single-Use Plastics Ban Leads to Tampon Shortage
    Believe Diapers Launch in U.S.
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Fusion Robotics Receives FDA Clearance for Spinal Navigation and Robotics System
    Kaia Health Unveils Next-Gen Complete MSK Care Solutions
    First Implantation of CTL Amedica's Minimally Invasive Flex Tower
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    Global Smart Glass Market to Register 6.8% CAGR Between 2021-28: Grand View Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login