Cecilia Butini
Novo Nordisk AS has been suspended from membership for two years by the British Pharmaceutical Industry Association for breaching the association's code of conduct when it promoted its diet drug Saxenda.
The association's ban was based on a complaint that the pharmaceutical company provided clinical training in obesity to health care professionals but did not explicitly state its involvement. Part of the training featured positive coverage of Novo Nordisk's drug Saxenda.
Novo Nordisk said in a statement that it accepted the decision despite being disappointed by the outcome.
“We remain committed to complying with the ABPI Code of Conduct and maintaining the highest ethical standards required by the pharmaceutical industry,” it said, referring to the British Pharmaceutical Industry Association.
Write to Cecilia Butini: cecilia.butini@wsj.com
