Intervet/Schering-Plough found in breach of NOAH Code on
promotion
At its meeting on 29 September 2008, the NOAH Code of
Practice Committee, chaired by Richard Arnold QC, heard one case.
Intervet/Schering-Plough were found in breach in respect
of two out of three items under complaint in respect of promotion of EQUILIS
PREQUENZA®.
The Committee considered that the second claim that
Prequenza promised "dual protection against emerging strains" was an
all-embracing claim and was not substantiated since it had not been
demonstrated either that the NA (Neuraminidase) component in Prequenza
provided protection or that Prequenza protected against strains which have
not yet emerged. Accordingly the Committee found a breach of clauses 4.3 and
5.2.
The Committee considered that the third claim that the "high
levels of NA (Neuraminidase) activity" in Prequenza gave clients "added
peace of mind all year round" was not accurate or balanced since it had
not been demonstrated that the NA (Neuraminidase) activity resulted in
increased protection. Accordingly the Committee found a breach of clause
4.3.
NOAH encourages those interested in finding out more to
read the full details of the Committee’s rulings on the NOAH website at
www.noah.co.uk/code. The full
report of this particular case will be available shortly.
20 November 2008
Notes for Editors
-
For further information contact Phil Sketchley or
Alison Glennon at NOAH on 020 8367 3131, or by email
noah@noah.co.uk
-
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.
-
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.
-
This release summarises the Code of Practice
Committee meeting on 29 September 2008.
|
