ABPI is criticised for lifting Novo Nordisk suspension despite recent breaches

Researchers have criticised the UK drug industry trade association’s decision to restore Novo Nordisk’s membership despite the company being subject to ongoing regulatory breaches during its two year suspension period.

In March 2023 the Danish pharmaceutical company, which manufactures the high profile weight loss drugs Saxenda and Wegovy, and type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic, was suspended as a member of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) for two years because of “serious breaches” of the organisation’s code of practice.1 The company failed to disclose clearly its sponsorship of a weight management training course for healthcare professionals which included positive information on its obesity drug liraglutide (Saxenda).

The ABPI, announcing its decision to reinstate Novo Nordisk’s membership on 17 March, said it was satisfied that the company had made “clear, significant, and sustained improvements” to ensure it properly adheres to strict industry standards.2

But academics from the University of Bath told The BMJ that …