New chairman for NOAH code

Richard Arnold QC has been appointed the new independent chairman of the NOAH Code of Practice for the Promotion of Animal Medicines. Mr Arnold, based at Grays Inn, is an expert in intellectual property law. He succeeds David Kitchin QC, who steps down at the end of 2001, after 6 years' service.

The NOAH Code of Practice regulates the contents and quality of advertisements, leaflets and promotional activities for animal medicines to help ensure that animal medicine promotions 'do not bring discredit upon, or reduce confidence in, the industry'. Going beyond the requirements of the Advertising Standards Authority requirements and the legal obligations of the Medicines Act which still apply, it was established in 1974 and since then it has been kept under review and updated.

Through the Code, the industry ensures that those involved with selling and using animal medicines, be they veterinary surgeons, animal health distributors, farmers or pet owners, receive the correct information they need to make decisions.

All NOAH members must comply with the Code (as must non-members who appear in the Compendium of Data Sheets for Veterinary Products). Decisions on whether promotional material infringes the Code are taken by the Code of Practice Committee. The Committee membership totals 15: in addition to Mr Arnold as chairman, there is a solicitor as secretary and the membership includes independent veterinarians and farmers as well as elected industry representatives. The current British Veterinary Association President, Andrew Scott, is a long-serving member of the group.

The Code appears in the front of the new 2001-2002 edition of the Compendium, available from John C Alborough Ltd, Lion Lane, Needham Market, Suffolk IP6 8NT, telephone 01449 723800, for £25 (UK) and £30 (overseas) for single copies. Special discounts are available for multiple orders.

A booklet containing the Code is also available, free of charge, from Kleo Kyriacou, telephone 020 8367 3131.

20 December 2001

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Roger Cook or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.
   
2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 38 corporate members and 11 associate members. In 2000 NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the £357 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.