The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, which was formed in 1958 by the merger of the American Drug Manufacturers Association and the American Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, now represents some 140 manufacturers of pharmaceutical products. The board of directors of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association recently adopted the following statement of principles of ethical drug promotion:
We, members of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, recognizing our responsibilities and obligations to promote the public welfare and to maintain honorable, fair, and friendly relations with the medical profession, with associated sciences, and with the public, do pledge ourselves to the following statement of principles:
Prompt, complete, conservative and accurate information concerning therapeutic agents shall be made available to the medical profession.
Any statement involved in product promotional communications must be supported by adequate and acceptable scientific evidence. Claims must not be stronger than such evidence warrants. Every effort must be made to avoid ambiguity and implied endorsements.