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PMCPA Case

Astellas: LinkedIn post promoting awareness of UK Kidney Week symposium (no breach)

📅 2021 | 🖉 Dr Anzal Qurbain
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Key facts

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Case numberAUTH/3773/6/23
CompanyAstellas Pharma Ltd (post uploaded to Astellas Pharma Europe LinkedIn account)
ComplainantAnonymous, non-contactable complainant (pharmaceutical company employee)
MaterialLinkedIn post (with video) advertising an Astellas organised/sponsored symposium at UK Kidney Week 2023
Main allegationsPost was promotional and not appropriately approved (no job bag code/date); liked/shared by marketing and sales employees
Applicable Code2021
Clauses consideredClause 5.1; Clause 8.1
Panel view on nature of postNon-promotional (no direct or implied mention of any medicine)
OutcomeNo breach of Clause 5.1; No breach of Clause 8.1
Complaint received5 June 2023
Case completed30 May 2024
AppealNo appeal

Download the full case report (PDF)

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

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What happened

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  • An anonymous, non-contactable complainant (described as a pharmaceutical company employee) complained about an Astellas LinkedIn post advertising a company-organised presentation at UK Kidney Week 2023.
  • The complainant alleged the post appeared not to have been reviewed/approved by compliance (no job bag code/date of preparation) and had been liked/shared by promotional employees (marketing and sales).
  • The PMCPA asked Astellas to consider Clauses 5.1 and 8.1 of the 2021 Code.
  • Astellas said the post was part of a series of non-promotional posts to raise awareness of an Astellas sponsored symposium (“Pioneers in practice: Real life experiences in the management of patients with anaemia of CKD”).
  • The post first appeared on 26 May 2023 and was removed (with the series) on 7 June 2023 after the complaint letter dated 6 June 2023.
  • Astellas said the post was disseminated via a geotargeted (UK) general feed post and paid targeting to reach those working in Nephrology in the UK.
  • The post text included: “This promotional talk is for Healthcare Professionals only.” The video featured a renal anaemia clinical nurse specialist stating they would be presenting “on behalf of Astellas”.
  • Astellas stated the HCP was briefed to avoid any mention of Astellas products, indications or subsequent clinical trial work, because posts may be viewable publicly and must be non-promotional.
  • Astellas stated the item was certified via a non-promotional certification route in Veeva Vault PromoMats on 24 May 2023 by a registered pharmacist final signatory (not involved in developing the material).
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Outcome

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  • No breach of Clause 5.1 (Requirement to maintain high standards).
  • No breach of Clause 8.1 (Requirement to certify promotional material).
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