IA Helps Win Exemption for Pharma Researchers in NJ

US market research professional body The Insights Association has announced a success in the state of New Jersey, which has exempted pharmaceutical MR from new restrictions on contacts between medical professionals and pharma firms.

During discussion of the proposals, the IA testified at a regulatory hearing in Newark, NJ; a dozen witnesses testified and another 56 submitted written comments; and the industry won the support of BioNJ, a New Jersey life sciences association, who argued for special treatment of MR. Attorney General Christopher Porrino (pictured right) met with IA Consumer Affairs Division Director Sharon Joyce, a meeting facilitated by IA member Steve Schlesinger of Schlesinger Associates (pictured (left).

Porrino subsequently stated: 'To the extent that a market research company does not engage in detailing, promotional activities, or other marketing of prescription drugs or prescription biologics, by definition a market research company is not considered a pharmaceutical manufacturer's agent'. The new regulation, 'Limitations on and Obligations Associated with Acceptance of Compensation from Pharmaceutical Manufacturers by Prescribers', will prohibit a variety of gifts and payments from manufacturers to any medical professionals licensed to prescribe drugs in New Jersey, with limits on a variety of interactions - but MR will not now be included provided research is conducted by a research company independent of a pharmaceutical manufacturer.

The IA stresses that for those working within MR departments within pharmaceutical manufacturers, the exemptions of 'carveouts' may only cover a small portion of research studies, and the rest will have to abide by the significant new restrictions.

Web site: www.insightsassociation.org .