AUTH/2915/12/16 & AUTH/2916/12/16: Anonymous v Janssen-Cilag and Napp (Invokana meeting venue) – No breach | PMCPA Case

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Key facts

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Case numbers	AUTH/2915/12/16; AUTH/2916/12/16
Parties	Anonymous (non-contactable) v Janssen-Cilag Ltd and Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited
Product	Invokana (canagliflozin)
Issue	Appropriateness of venue and subsistence for a promotional meeting; partner logo on invitation
Meeting	“A Practical Guide to Manage Type 2 Diabetes and its Complications” (December 2016)
Timing	18:30 registration & buffet; education from ~19:30; close 21:30
Subsistence cost	£48.88 per health professional attendee (food and drinks)
Panel view	Venue and cost were on the limits of acceptability, but did not amount to a breach
Clauses considered	2; 9.1; 22.1
Outcome	No breach (both cases)
Complaint received	12 December 2016
Case completed	20 January 2017
Appeal	No appeal
Applicable Code year	2016

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

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An anonymous, non-contactable complainant (self-described health professional) complained about the venue for a forthcoming promotional meeting for Invokana (canagliflozin) in type 2 diabetes.
The invitation referenced Janssen-Cilag Ltd and Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited; the meeting was therefore taken up with both companies.
Meeting title: “A Practical Guide to Manage Type 2 Diabetes and its Complications”; held in December 2016 at a named restaurant.
Agenda (per invitation): registration and buffet dinner from 18:30; chair at 19:30; two 45-minute presentations; 15 minutes Q&A; close at 21:30.
Complainant alleged the restaurant group was “world renown” and that the venue/cuisine would be the main attraction; provided screenshots showing celebrity endorsements on the restaurant website.
Janssen stated the event was Janssen-only (despite co-promotion with Napp), with two hours of education and one hour subsistence; venue chosen for location, private room, parking, cost-effective catering, and dietary needs (including halal).
Cost details submitted: total catering and beverages (excluding Janssen staff catering) £2,395.50; £48.88 per health professional attendee.

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No breach of the Code in either case.
AUTH/2915/12/16 (Janssen): No breach of Clauses 22.1, 9.1 and 2.
AUTH/2916/12/16 (Napp): No breach of Clauses 22.1, 9.1 and 2, despite Panel concern that Napp’s logo appeared on the invitation for a Janssen-only meeting.
No appeal.

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