New EFPIA Code of Conduct guidelines for internet websites
The voluntary codes of conduct from different countries pose a tremendous challenge to companies operating across borders and therefore in different jurisdictions. First, these codes would impose another level of standards in addition to those otherwise applicable under local laws and regulations. In many cases, the codes add more-defined parameters around promotional activities. In others, they read more generally and may not expand further on local laws and regulations. In still others, they may not actually provide specific guidance. However, it’s the company’s responsibility to ensure that
it has processes and controls to effectively address the obligations imposed by local standards and now, too, the voluntary codes.

Companies must balance voluntary codes at the same time as maximizing their legal promotional activities. However, managing compliance with such differing standards requires careful planning.

To manage this task, pharmaceutical companies are advised to put in place robust compliance structures and strategies throughout their organizations.
In reality, because most leading multinationals have already begun to toughen up, it is not certain that such actions will cause them to lose any competitive advantages against other multinational companies with respect to these practices.

Interactive patient management
Elevator have developed a unique interactive approach to patient management (ICM). The ICM programme combines a series of technologies centred around a cutting edge widget application.
It is designed to empower patients, developing understanding of their role in improving their health, and the importance of adhering to the treatment strategy.
The programme combines a number of best practice approaches and is flexible / adaptable to therapy area, demographic groups and socioeconomic conditions. Key features of the ICM programmes we have delivered include:
Key features are:

• Education on use of medicine
• Treatment strategy and disease area
• Memory aids and reminders utilizing a range of communications channels including SMS and mobile devices
• Continuous monitoring and management of side-effects combined with tailored call-to-action triggers Behavioural and motivational interventions encouraging patients to incorporate drug adherence into their lifestyles
• Support for caregivers and development of support networks
• Collation of data using the interactive diary to support healthcare professional consultations

University partnership
As part of a knowledge exchange programme, Elevator has boosted its team with a recruit from the Jagiellonian University Krakow. The programme comprises of a 4 month internship based on the disciplines of psychology, business and information technology.