Responsible advertising
When promoting its products, the Pharmaceuticals business sector must comply not only with its own Code of Conduct, but also
with numerous statutory regulations. Moreover, the “IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices” of the International
Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA), is also applicable to us. The Merck Pharmaceutical Marketing
Best Practices define internationally binding standards, for example for product advertising and sponsoring. For example,
all Merck events for physicians (fairs, congresses, etc) must comply with these new internationally valid rules. In order
to implement the Code in all areas of our Pharmaceutical business, we have set up a comprehensive program that includes training
courses and an e-learning program.
Country-specific regulations for dealing with doctors and hospitals
There are also country-specific regulations. Sales representatives of the German organization, for example, also have to adhere to an internal guideline for dealing with doctors and hospitals. As a member of the German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA), Merck was one of the founders of the “Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle für die Arzneimittelindustrie e.V.” (Association for the Voluntary Self-Control of the Pharmaceutical Industry) in February 2004. As a self-control body, the association monitors all aspects of the advertising behavior of its members. When violations of the code are suspected, members and third parties can file complaints to an arbitration body. To date, there have been no complaints relating to Merck.We recognize the important role that patient organizations play in providing support and disseminating information to both
patients and their care-givers. Therefore, Merck provides donations and sponsorships to various patient organizations to encourage
them in continuing their work. We do not seek to influence or control the information that such organizations communicate.
Since 2008, we have been publishing the donations we make to patient organizations across Europe on our website.
