The Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (“SFEE”) has recently published on its website the revised version of its Code of Ethics, which will enter into force on 1 July 2025. The most noteworthy changes of this revised Code of Ethics may be summarized as follows:
- Enrichment and amendments to the Definitions section.
- Addition of a new section regarding the origin and value of self-regulation.
- Possibility of incorporating the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) into materials via QR Code, provided that a printed version of the SmPC would always be available, if and when required.
- Revision of the categories of scientific events, in light of the Corrigendum of EOF Circular under no. 45560/16.04.2025, as published on EOF’s website on 21.05.2025.
- Classification of patient information events by the type of organizer namely: (a) patient organizations, (b) healthcare organizations and (c) pharmaceutical companies.
- Introduction of a section on scientific events organized abroad by foreign pharmaceutical companies.
- Introduction of a section on scientific events organized in Greece by foreign pharmaceutical companies.
- Additions to the section on Advisory Boards, in light of the Corrigendum of EOF Circular under no. 45560/16.04.2025, as published on EOF’s website on 21.05.2025
- Revisions and additions to the section on Patient Education and Support Programs.
- Incorporation of new provisions and restrictions as regards medical samples.
- Introduction of an obligation to send via email to SFEE of the annual publicly accessible list of patient organizations to which the company offers financial support and/or significant indirect non-financial support, as well as of patient organizations with which it has entered into a service agreement.
- Revision of sponsorship limits for scientific events, as well as daily limits for hospitality and accommodation expenses. SFEE’s thresholds are, in some cases, stricter than those set by EOF.
- Update of the methodology for calculating fair market value.
It is apparent that the revised SFEE Code of Ethics introduces a series of significant changes aimed at enhancing transparency, aligning industry practices with recent regulatory developments, and strengthening the principles of self-regulation. Companies are encouraged to carefully review the revised Code of Ethics to ensure timely compliance prior to its entry into force.