AbbVie breached Clause 8.5 after failing to recertify an AbbVie Pro landing page within two years (AUTH/3891/4/24)

📅 8 March 2026 | 🖉 Dr Anzal Qurbain
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Key facts

CaseAUTH/3891/4/24
CompanyAbbVie
ComplainantAnonymous, non-contactable complainant (member of the public/media)
MaterialAbbVie Pro “Oncology Focus Area” landing page (HCP-intended)
Main issueMaterial not recertified at intervals of no more than two years
Panel view of contentNo promotional information on the landing page
Applicable Code2021
Breach clausesClause 8.5 Using material for more than two years without re-certification
No breach clausesClause 5.1 Requirement to maintain high standards at all times
SanctionsUndertaking received; additional sanctions not stated
Complaint received24 April 2024
Case completed10 March 2025
AppealNo appeal

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

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What happened

  • An anonymous, non-contactable complainant (member of the public/media) alleged that an AbbVie Pro oncology webpage showed a certification date of May 2020 and had not been recertified within two years.
  • The material was an AbbVie Pro “Oncology Focus Area” landing page (HCP-intended) with links (eg, to haematology, adverse event reporting, and contact AbbVie) and no promotional content on the page itself.
  • AbbVie identified the page had expired on 11 May 2023 and had not been recertified after that date.
  • AbbVie recertified the landing page immediately upon receiving the complaint and reviewed the wider AbbVie Pro website certification status.
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Outcome

  • Breach: Clause 8.5 Using material for more than two years without re-certification.
  • No breach: Clause 5.1 Requirement to maintain high standards at all times.
  • No appeal.
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