Novo Nordisk’s ABPI suspension lifted after two years

Novo Nordisk has regained full membership of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) after a two-year suspension due to serious breaches of the ABPI Code of Practice.

The reinstatement follows rigorous audits of the company’s compliance procedures and governance by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA).

Novo Nordisk was suspended from ABPI membership in March 2023 after an investigation and appeals process by the PMCPA found the company in breach of the ABPI Code, including Clause 2 which deals with actions “likely to bring discredit on, or reduce confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry”.

The case originated from a complaint by a UK health professional regarding Novo Nordisk’s sponsorship of weight management training courses on LinkedIn.

The complainant alleged that the course was presented on behalf of Novo Nordisk and that it covered GLP1-RA as a treatment for obesity—the only treatment option mentioned—at a time when Novo Nordisk was the sole provider of a GLP1-RA for obesity.

The PMCPA ruled that the LinkedIn post and its linked webpage constituted the promotion of Saxenda to healthcare professionals without the required prescribing information, resulting in a breach of the Code.

Additionally, the Panel ruled that the arrangements between Novo Nordisk and the training provider, particularly concerning the PGD, brought discredit upon, and reduced confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry, constituting a breach of Clause 2.

Following extensive independent audits by the PMCPA, Novo Nordisk has demonstrated to the ABPI Board’s satisfaction that it has made clear, significant, and sustained improvements to ensure full compliance with the strict industry standards.

Richard Torbett, chief executive of the ABPI, highlighted that the UK has some of the highest standards in the world for how pharmaceutical companies can behave and operate, embodied by the ABPI Code of Practice.

“In 2021, Novo Nordisk fell short of these standards, and it is right that their peers held them accountable,” he said.

However, he acknowledged the company's positive and active response over the past two years to meet the ABPI Board’s requirements.

Sebnem Avsar Tuna, General Manager of Novo Nordisk UK, welcomed the ABPI decision, saying: “Throughout the audit process we have considerably strengthened our compliance processes and we firmly believe that we now have the right foundations and governance in place to be fully and effectively self-regulating.”

She noted that the company took its suspension seriously from the outset and appreciated the collaboration with the ABPI and PMCPA during the “robust and thorough review process.”

Reflecting on Novo Nordisk’s long-standing presence in the UK, she reaffirmed its commitment to addressing serious chronic diseases.