Transparency Guidelines for Relationships between Corporate Activities and Patient Groups Text

Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
(Formulated March 14, 2012, implemented April 1, 2012)
(Revised February 22, 2017, implemented April 1, 2017)
(Revised September 25, 2017, implemented April 1, 2018)
(Revised May 25, 2022, implemented May 25, 2022)

The purpose of these Guidelines is to ensure transparency of the relationship with patient organizations in the activities of member companies, thereby gaining widespread understanding of the fact that their activities contribute to the activities and development of patient organizations, while ensuring a high level of ethics and mutual understanding that respects the independence of patient organizations.

  1. Member companies shall formulate their own "Guidelines for Transparency in Relationships with Patient Organizations" with reference to these Guidelines, and use them as their own code of conduct.
  2. Patient organizations are defined as patient groups and patient support groups that consist mainly of patients, their families, and their supporters, that represent the voices of patients and their families, that support each other, and that aim to improve the medical treatment environment, and that, in principle, have roles and objectives defined in their articles of incorporation and constitution. However, the criteria for determining such organizations are left to the member companies. The criteria for selecting organizations to be funded and supported by the member companies will also be based on the judgment of the member companies.
  3. The company's "Guidelines for Transparency in Relationships with Patient Organizations" should include the following statements

    1. Member firm's position

      Relationships with patient organizations should be transparent and respect the independence of patient organizations. To ensure transparency, member companies should disclose the fact that they are involved in the activities, and should exchange written contracts or agreements on the purpose, content, etc. of funding before the start of activities, and keep records of such activities. In addition, all activities with patient groups conducted by member companies shall be conducted in accordance with the "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (hereinafter referred to as "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan") Charter of Corporate Behavior," "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan Compliance Program Guidelines," "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan Code of Practice," "Guidelines for Transparency in the Relationship between Corporate Activities and Medical Institutions, etc." and "Guidelines for Collaboration with Patient Groups" as defined by the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (hereinafter referred to as "Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan"). Guidelines for Cooperation with Patient Organizations" and other related codes and their spirit.
  4. Scope and Content of Disclosure
    Member companies shall disclose the details of patient organizations to which they have provided labor, including direct funding, indirect funding, and rewards for items requested by the member companies.

    1. Direct Funding

      (Subject)
      Donations, membership and supporting member fees, sponsorship fees, advertising fees, etc.
      (Contents)
      List the name of the patient organization that provided direct funding and the amount for each expense item. However, the manner in which expense items are itemized shall be at the discretion of the member company.

    2. Indirect funding

      (Subject)
      Expenses associated with company-sponsored or co-sponsored lectures, information meetings, training sessions, etc. for the purpose of supporting patient groups
      Expenses outsourced to outside vendors in connection with support for patient groups
      (Description)
      List the names of patient groups that have provided indirect funding and the total amount of indirect funding. It is not necessary to list separately by patient organization or by expense item.

    3. Gratuities, etc. for items requested by member companies

      (Subjects)
      Rewards for lecturers, fees for writing and supervising manuscripts, research expenses, advisors, etc.
      (Contents)
      List the name of the patient organization that made the request from the member company and the amount for each expense item. However, the method of itemizing expenses shall be at the discretion of the member firms.

    4. Others

      (Subject)
      Labor provided
      (Contents)
      List the name of the patient organization that provided the labor.
  5. Timing of disclosure
    Member companies shall disclose the previous year's funding through their own websites after the announcement of their financial results.

The End

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