AUTH/3132/12/18: Anonymous v Sanofi — Social media adverts for meetings (no breach) | PMCPA Case

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Key facts

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Case number	AUTH/3132/12/18
Parties	Anonymous, non-contactable v Sanofi
Issue	Use of social media (Facebook/Twitter) to advertise meetings; alleged lack of sponsorship statements and public reach
Applicable Code year	2016
Complaint received	12 December 2018
Case completed	18 January 2019
Appeal	No appeal
Panel decision	No breach (Sanofi had no involvement with the meeting(s) on the information before the Panel)
Clauses considered	Clauses 2, 4, 9, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 28
Meeting referenced	Diabetes specialist nurse meeting on Tuesday, 5 February (appeared to be part of a series)
Sanofi position	Not involved; decided not to sponsor the ‘Stronger Together’ tour (National DSN week 4–8 February 2019)

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

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An anonymous, non-contactable complainant (described as a concerned health professional) complained about advertisements on Facebook and Twitter for meetings allegedly sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi.
The complainant alleged the adverts did not include sponsorship statements and were reaching the public.
The complainant provided a copy of material referring to a diabetes specialist nurse meeting on Tuesday, 5 February (appearing to be part of a series), described as a networking and learning opportunity for diabetes health professionals, with experienced professionals and people with diabetes presenting.
Sanofi stated it was not involved in sponsoring the meeting referred to (or any other meetings run by that group) and said it had decided not to sponsor the ‘Stronger Together’ tour meetings (National DSN week, 4–8 February 2019).
The Panel noted no evidence had been provided to support the allegation of Sanofi’s involvement.

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No breach of the Code was ruled because, on the information before it, Sanofi had no involvement with the meeting(s) at issue.
No appeal.

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