In brief
The Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) has amended its Code of Conduct (“SAPI Code”) in March 2026. The revised SAPI Code features revisions to its frequently asked questions (FAQs) to update the appropriate venue selection considerations and provide clarity on items of medical utility.
In more detail
The SAPI Code provides guidance for its member companies in the marketing and promotion of pharmaceutical products and serves as the basis for self-discipline in the pharmaceutical industry.
In particular, the SAPI Code provides standards to facilitate member companies’ interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs), medical institutions, patient organizations (i.e., not-for-profit institutions that represent the interests and needs of patients, their families and/or caregivers). These standards ensure the ethical promotion of pharmaceutical products.
The SAPI Code is an industry code and does not strictly have force of law (i.e., non-compliance with the SAPI Code is not in itself a breach of local regulations). The SAPI Code is only drafted for member companies’ compliance. Nonetheless, the SAPI Code presents a set of industry-accepted best practices in relation to the marketing and promotion of therapeutic products, including pharmaceutical companies’ interactions with HCPs.
With respect to the selection of an appropriate venue for the purposes of symposia, congresses and other promotional, scientific or professional meetings for HCPs organized or sponsored by a member company, the key revisions are as follows:
- The previous version of the SAPI Code stated that sponsorship of an event at leisure and entertainment venues, including venues with a casino area, is inappropriate. Member companies were encouraged not to make any commitment to sponsor a venue until there is confirmation that the venue would not be held at such an entertainment venue or an integrated resort.
- The abovementioned FAQs have since been deleted, and SAPI has clarified that it is acceptable for member companies to sponsor and participate in third party educational events held at purpose-built conference facilities that are clearly designated conference facilities.
- SAPI has further stated that it is acceptable for members to accommodate overseas participants within the vicinity of designated conference facilities, even though they are located within an entertainment surrounding. This is subject to member companies exercising restraint and caution in their choice of accommodation to ensure that it can withstand public scrutiny.
- Where member companies’ overseas affiliates sponsor participants to Singapore to participate in third party educational events and choose their own accommodation, member companies are advised to share the SAPI Code with the affiliate companies and provide a list of recommended hotels.
- It is not acceptable for member companies to hold company standalone events at the abovementioned venues, even if any third party educational events are held during that same period.
SAPI has provided clarity that an item of medical utility is meant for the HCP usage to enhance the provision of medical services and for patient care in a clinical setting. Accordingly, a patient support kit which can contain supportive items to help patients with potential treatment-related side effects and/or educational material relating to their condition and adverse event management will not be considered an item of medical utility.
Key takeaways
The broadening of the scope of appropriate venues for third party educational events will transform the landscape of third party symposia, congresses and other promotional, scientific or professional meetings organized for HCPs. Pharmaceutical companies should consider reviewing applicable compliance policies to take into account these changes, including other areas of interactions with HCPs which may be impacted.
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