Code Review

The Code of Conduct Edition 19 has been reviewed in 2024.

The Code is periodically reviewed to ensure it remains relevant to members, the wider industry and external stakeholders, whilst continuing to align with international self-regulation and domestic policies, legislation, standards and community expectations.  

The review of Code Edition 19 took place in 2024. Members formally adopted Edition 20, by special resolution, at the Medicines Australia Annual General Meeting in October 2024. Edition 20 comes into effect on 30 March 2025. 

Read the new Code Edition 20 here

Accompanying Edition 20 will be a new “Intercompany Dialogue Standards” which is available here

Broad summary of changes made in the transition from Edition 19 to Edition 20 is available here

Opportunities to understand Edition 20:

Medicines Australia will be hosting a series of educational opportunities to help companies with their understanding of Edition 20. These include: 

Online webinars: 

    A series of webinars were held in November 2024 to provide education about Code Edition 20 changes to the innovative pharmaceutical industry, marketing/PR companies, and the patient community. To view a recorded version of the industry webinar, please click here

    Continuing Education Program

    A new Bridging Course will be available in January 2025, in order to ‘bridge’ knowledge from Edition 19 to 20. In addition, Program 1- Code of Conduct will be updated to reflect Edition 20, and this will be also available in January 2025. These courses are offered by our educational partner the University of Tasmania. Enrolment details will be available here

    Code Resource Toolkit

    The Code Toolkit aids compliance with the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct, hosting non-binding resources addressing a number of topics covered by the Code. Existing Code guidance will be updated in the first quarter of 2025 to reflect Edition 20, and new additional Guidance will be published on a rolling basis throughout 2025. Resource Toolkit is available here

    How was the Code reviewed?

    The Code Review was a consultative process involving Medicines Australia’s decision-making bodies, the Code Compliance Network, the patient community, members, and external stakeholders including the TGA. 

    A broad consultation period ran between April 2nd – May 2nd 2024. This Consultation Paper explains the objectives, review timeframe and methodology of the review. It also highlights seven key topics to which Medicines Australia sought comment, but were not the only topics that were considered as part of the Code review. 

    Over 50 written submissions were received during this consultation period. Expert guidance was provided by a Code Review Working Group made up of members, which considered all feedback in forming the proposed changes to Edition 19, as well as international standards. In-depth member consultation then took place and the resulting Code Edition 20 was adopted in October 2024, to come into effect on 30 March 2025. 

    Please get in touch with the MA Ethics & Compliance Team if you have any questions via email or (02) 6147 6500.