Pharma companies often employ Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) in order to provide healthcare professionals (HCPs) with high-quality professional and scientific information that lacks promotional content thereby distinguishing it from the information provided by medical sales representatives.
In a recently published decision, the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (NIPN) stated that it does not support distinction between professional and promotional communication. This position leaves pharma companies with two options: either to register MSLs with the NIPN as a medical sales representative, or to try to severely restrict the information an MSL may share with HCPs.

In the last month, the Hungarian National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition (NIPN) published five new decisions on its website relative to the promotional practices of companies under investigation. The NIPN imposed fines for infringements within the range of HUF 3 million (approx. EUR 7,700) to HUF 31 million (approx. EUR 79,500).

Hungary has amended laws on clinical trials to adjust them to CTR requirements. In addition, new provisions have been adopted to regulate non-commercial trials, patient recruitment and patient cards.

Recent amendments of Act XCVIII of 2006 („Medicine Economy Act”) have significant impact on medicine and device promotion, interactions with healthcare professionals as well as the pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products. The amendments blur the distinction between promotional and professional/scientific activities and communication which will require assessment of the types of events organized and HCP engagements concluded by pharma companies.