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The New Zealand Medical Journal

 Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 29-July-2005, Vol 118 No 1219

Researched Medicines Industry (RMI) Code of Practice complaints 2004
The Researched Medicines Industry (RMI) received two complaints, and one appeal was lodged under the Code of Practice during 2004 as follows:

AstraZeneca Limited versus Roche regarding an advertisement for Dilatrend in the New Ethicals catalogue
The complaint from AstraZeneca related to the advertisement “Dilatrend is estimated to extend life by 1.4 years compared to metoprolol” which appeared in the New Ethicals Catalogue alleging breaches of Principle 4 of the Code relating to comparisons. The Code of Practice Standing Committee (COPSC) upheld the complaint.
The COPSC imposed the following penalties:
  • That Roche desist from further use of this particular advertisement in any fashion at all until Roche make the proper amendments, and
  • That Roche issue a corrective letter to members of the medical profession.

Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited versus AstraZeneca Limited regarding a journal advertisement for Atacand
The complaint from Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) related to an advertisement by AstraZeneca regarding the comparative advertising with respect to losartan (Cozaar) and candesartan (Atacand). It is alleged that the advertisement was in breach of Principle 4 sections 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.6.1 of the Code. The COPSC upheld the complaint in regard to Principle 4: 4.3.1, 4.4.1, 4.4.2. However, the allegation of a breach under 4.6.1 was not upheld.
The COPSC imposed the following penalties:
  • Immediate withdrawal of the particular advertisement,
  • The sending of a corrective letter, and
  • A fine of $20,000. The COPSC decision was appealed by AstraZeneca and the Appeal Committee upheld the COPSC decision in its entirety and dismissed the
     
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