Formal Code of Practice Reprimand
for Novartis Animal Health

On 13 February 2008 the Board of NOAH discussed a Report from the Code of Practice Committee regarding Novartis’s conduct in a recent case, number 266. Novartis were formally reprimanded for their conduct which was:

1. a refusal to sign an undertaking relating to the breach of the code in Case 266, heard on 24 October 2007; and
2. for its general attitude and failure to abide by the spirit of the Code as required by Rule 17; and
3. that it continued to challenge the decision of the Committee in relation to the breaches of the Code.

NOAH encourages those interested in finding out more to read the full details of the Committee’s rulings on the NOAH website at http://www.noah.co.uk/code/summary2007.htm#266

5 March 2008

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website, www.noah.co.uk/code

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 29 corporate members and 8 associate members. In 2007 the NOAH sales survey showed a total market of £415m, which is estimated to represent approximately 90% of the total UK market.

3. Since 1974 the animal medicine industry has regulated the contents and quality of advertisements, leaflets and promotional activities under its Code of Practice for the Promotion of Animal Medicines which is obligatory for all NOAH members and companies participating in the NOAH Datasheet Compendium. The Code is administered by a committee of 15, including an independent chairman, veterinary and farming members as well as elected industry experts.