Updated Industry Code: Innovative Medicines Canada Publishes Its 2022 Code Of Ethical Practices

Innovative Medicines Canada ("IMC") has published the 2022 Annotated Version of the Code of Ethical Practices (the "Code"), which will take effect April 1, 2022. The 2022 Code includes significant revisions to the guidelines on learning programs that aim to minimize the promotional aspects of these activities. Changes also include a new section on journal clubs and rounds, and a clarification on virtual meetings with Health Care Professionals ("HCPs").

Learning Programs for HCPs

A Documented Need

The Code now requires that learning programs "serve to enhance or fill an unmet documented need" among HCPs. According to the IMC notice summarizing the changes in the 2022 Code, this means that, "[b]efore supporting learning activities, members must conduct a needs assessment to ensure there is a legitimate unmet learning need." With respect to Other Learning Activities ("OLAs"), the Code specifies that the documented needs assessment must be reviewed and approved by