Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufactures Association (KPBMA) said Thursday that it would reflect the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ (IFPMA) new “Code of Practice” on its fair competition guideline.

Following the acceptance of the IFPMA’s regulation, the KPBMA plans to revise its guideline and intends to prohibit promotional aids and gifts related to sports and leisure for physicians from Jan. 1.

The association plans to enforce the ban on all provisions of promotional items after consulting the new amendment with the relevant authorities. The KPBMA will also ban companies from holding educational sessions in places equipped with tourism, sports and leisure facilities.

The association will reflect the new international rules on the screening standards of the Fair Competition Rules Review Committee and implement the amended guidelines from next year.

“Ethical management is a prerequisite for enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic pharmaceutical industry,” the association said. “Therefore, we have decided to abide by the revised IFPMA code to establish ethical management that meets international standards.”

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