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# Astellas Suspended by UK Group for Ethics Violations
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/astellas-suspended-by-uk-group-for-ethics-violations/
- Published: 2016-07-15T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T21:14:56.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5136192

Astellas UK has been suspended as a member of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), which is recognized by the UK government as the industry body negotiating on behalf of the branded pharmaceutical industry for statutory consultation requirements, including the pricing scheme for medicines in the UK. The suspension is the result of “serious breaches of the ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry,” the organization says in a [release](http://www.abpi.org.uk/media-centre/newsreleases/2016/Pages/Astellas-UK-Suspended-from-membership-of-the-ABPI-.aspx?ref=fdaweb.com).  

“The action is as a result of a complaint about an advisory board meeting held in Milan in 2/2014 which was ruled to be in breach of the code, including Clause 2 which deals with actions likely to bring discredit upon, or reduce confidence in, the pharmaceutical industry,” the group says. “Following a second complaint and further action by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority ([PMCPA](http://www.pmcpa.org.uk/aboutus/Pages/default.aspx?ref=fdaweb.com)), it also transpired that Astellas Europe had knowingly provided incorrect information to the PMCPA. Subsequently, the PMCPA Appeal Board reported the companies to the ABPI Board. The PMCPA Appeal Board was extremely concerned about the multiple organizational and cultural failings, which included issues of deception and imposed additional sanctions.”

The ABPI Board agreed with the PMCPA Appeal Board’s assessment and suspended Astellas UK from membership for 12 months. The companies are to be re-audited in September, it says. “The re-audits must show demonstrable improvements in both companies — Astellas UK and Astellas Pharma Europe — particularly in relation to corporate culture,” it adds.