Self-regulation of UK’s pharmaceutical industry

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is one of the UK’s most powerful lobby groups, representing more than 150 companies. In addition to shaping pharmaceutical, science, and trade policy,1 it oversees industry standards for promoting prescription medicines and interacting with patients, healthcare professionals, and the NHS.2 The ABPI sets a code of practice that is administered by Prescription Medicines Code Practice Authority (PMCPA), and companies are expected to uphold the standards. If a company is found to breach the code, it must detail planned corrective actions3 and in severe cases may receive a public reprimand or an audit of company procedures; the ABPI board may also suspend or expel a member.3

The ABPI’s code of practice often surpasses standards adopted by comparable European trade groups,4 and its signatories attract more complaints about ethical breaches.5 For example, in 2023 the PMCPA received 149 complaints6 compared with 103, 59, and 22, respectively, for its counterparts in Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany.78

The ABPI regards the high volume of complaints as evidence that regulation is effective.9 However, the association’s …