Novo Nordisk suspended from UK industry group after rule violation

Novo Nordisk has been suspended from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for two years, after the prescription medicines watchdog found that the Danish company violated rules by sponsoring a “disguised” large-scale promotional campaign.

The UK industry group said the drugmaker was in breach of its code of practice and had acted in a way that was “likely to bring discredit on, or reduce confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry”.

The watchdog found the company failed to disclose its sponsorship of weight management training courses for healthcare professionals, which preferentially included positive information on its drug Saxenda.

Novo Nordisk said it was “disappointed” but accepted the decision and remained committed to maintaining “the highest possible ethical standards”.