Pfizer: ISU urology meeting in Belfast—5-star venue and social programme created unacceptable impression (Clause 9.1 breach)

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Key facts

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Case number	AUTH/2560/11/12
Complainant	Anonymous group describing themselves as NHS health professionals
Company	Pfizer (Pfizer UK held responsible for Pfizer Ireland activity)
Issue	Sponsorship/exhibiting at third-party meeting; alleged excessive hospitality due to luxury venue and social programme (golf and gala dinner)
Event	Irish Society of Urology (ISU) annual meeting, Belfast (Northern Ireland), September 2012
Venue	Culloden Estate and Spa, Holywood, Belfast (5-star)
Pfizer involvement	Exhibition stand fee €1,850; one Pfizer Ireland representative attended; no Pfizer UK attendees
HCP sponsorship	No HCPs sponsored (no accommodation/subsistence/registration paid)
Panel decision	Breach Clause 9.1; No breach Clauses 2 and 19.1
Sanctions	Undertaking received; additional sanctions not stated
Complaint received	4 December 2012
Case completed	12 February 2013
Appeal	No appeal
Applicable Code year	2012

Reviewed by Dr Anzal Qurbain (FFPM) — ABPI Final Signatory

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An anonymous, non-contactable group of NHS health professionals complained about excessive hospitality linked to the Irish Society of Urology (ISU) annual meeting held in Belfast (Northern Ireland) in September 2012.
The meeting programme highlighted a luxurious 5-star venue (Culloden Estate and Spa) and included prominent references to social events, including golf and a gala dinner at Stormont.
Pfizer Ireland participated as an exhibitor (exhibition stand fee €1,850) and had one Pfizer Ireland representative attend; no Pfizer UK staff attended.
Pfizer did not sponsor any health professionals to attend (no accommodation, subsistence, or registration fees paid).
Pfizer Ireland sought confirmation from ISU that exhibitor funding supported scientific programme costs (printing/design, AV, delegate day rates for tea/coffee and lunch) and not social functions; ISU stated social events were paid for by delegates via tickets.
Pfizer acknowledged that, given the venue and the way social aspects appeared on the agenda, it was not appropriate to provide sponsorship by exhibiting, and it revised procedures to ensure ABPI Code approval would be sought for Irish meetings held in Northern Ireland.
The Panel noted that because the meeting was held in Northern Ireland, the ABPI Code applied, and UK companies are responsible for overseas affiliates’ activities when carried out in the UK or relating to UK health professionals.

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