QR codes in Pharma: A digital revolution in compliance

First introduced in 1994, QR codes have long been a part of digital technology, but their adoption has been a slower, more considered process. Advances in technology, the widespread adoption of smartphones, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated their use for public consumption into everyday life. 

The pharmaceutical industry is no stranger to technological advancements, but let’s be honest , compliance updates don’t always move at lightning speed. So when a regulatory change includes a nod to digital innovation, it’s worth paying attention. 

Spain takes a bold step forward

Enter Spain: the trailblazer that first introduced the use of QR codes into its code of practice for materials aimed at healthcare professionals.

Spain is regulated by laws, official guidelines, and voluntary industry codes. These self-regulatory codes, adopted by trade associations, ensure compliance and ethical promotion:

• FARMAINDUSTRIA: Covers innovative pharmaceuticals
• AESEG: Applies to generic medicines
• ANEFP: Governs non-prescription (self-care) products

A new era for Pharma in the UK 

So who's next?

While Spain and the UK are leading the charge, other European countries are waiting for guidance at a broader level. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) Code of Practice acts as the overarching compliance framework for national pharma codes across Europe. Until the EFPIA Code explicitly endorses QR codes, many local markets may hold off on implementation, ensuring alignment with regional regulations.

For those unfamiliar, the EFPIA Code is essentially the blueprint for pharmaceutical ethical standards across Europe. It influences national codes by setting best practices for promotional activities, interactions with healthcare professionals, and transparency requirements. When the EFPIA Code updates, individual countries tend to follow suit.

So, will we see a continent-wide embrace of QR codes in pharma compliance? Time will tell. But if Spain and the UK are any indication, digital transformation is no longer a question of if, it’s a question of when.