Astellas suspension from UK trade group extended for further year

The UK subsidiary of Japanese drug major Astellas Pharma’s (TYO: 4503) suspension as a member of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) is to be extended for a further 12 months with effect from June 24, 2017 in connection with a number of serious breaches of the ABPI Code.

Recent cases have shown wholly inadequate oversight and control at both Astellas UK and Astellas Pharma Europe and a ‘lamentable lack of concern for patient safety,’ the ABPI stated.

Astellas’ original suspension in June 2016 related to an advisory board meeting (Case AUTH/2747/1/15) and deception, including providing false information to the PMCPA by Astellas Pharma Europe (Case AUTH/2780/7/15). The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) Code of Practice Appeal Board imposed additional sanctions due to the seriousness of the case and reported the companies to the ABPI board. Astellas UK was subsequently suspended from membership of the ABPI for 12 months from June 24, 2016.