As we mark the 10th anniversary of EFPIA – European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations introducing disclosure requirements for the pharmaceutical industry’s transfers of value to healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare organizations (HCOs), it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the progress made. This milestone highlights the pharmaceutical industry’s continued commitment to fostering trust and confidence in its relationships with HCPs and HCOs. These collaborations remain essential in driving innovation, advancing science, and ultimately improving patient outcomes worldwide.
EFPIA members have voluntarily adopted these transparency requirements, independently establishing the frameworks and modalities that govern disclosure. Their efforts are a strong example of the broader shift toward increased openness in interactions with HCPs and HCOs.
Across Europe, some governments have embraced the concept even further – by introducing legislation that mandates disclosure for all pharmaceutical and medical device companies operating within their borders.
The movement toward transparency is not limited to Europe. The United States was the first country to implement a legal requirement for such disclosures, and fifteen years later, it continues to serve as a global benchmark. In Canada, a voluntary framework for disclosing payments has been introduced through Innovative Medicines Canada, with further legal requirements enacted in Ontario under the Health Sector Payment Transparency Act. Similarly, Mexico has adopted a voluntary disclosure framework managed by CETIFARMA, the country’s pharmaceutical industry association.
In Latin America, countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Colombia have established formal transparency requirements. In Brazil, the legislation is currently enforced at the state level, with national expansion under active discussion. Colombia, on the other hand, has already implemented comprehensive, country-wide disclosure laws. Meanwhile, in Chile, members of the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Innovation (CIF) report their transactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs), healthcare organizations (HCOs), and patient organizations quarterly, using an open and centralized data repository.
In the Middle East and Africa, Mecomed – the regional medical device trade association – requires its members to disclose relevant transfers of value. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has introduced a legal requirement applicable to both pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, for example India, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines have implemented legal transparency obligations. Meanwhile, countries such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand rely on trade association-led frameworks, which apply only to their member companies.
Globally, there is a growing momentum toward making the disclosure of transfers of value to HCPs and HCOs a legal standard in many more countries.
We will continue to follow and share developments as transparency standards advance worldwide – so stay tuned!
