Drug industry told to disclose details of doctors' events

An Australian government regulator has approved a drug industry self regulatory code of conduct on marketing—but only on condition that member companies publicly disclose details of hospitality provided to doctors at medical education events.

Medicines Australia, the main drug industry body, applied for authorisation of a slightly amended version of its current code of conduct. After reviewing submissions from medical groups, consumers, and the industry, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is charged with protecting consumer interests, stated that it doubted that “the code is effectively enforced.” The commission also …