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Bayer UK found in breach of NOAH medicine promotion policies
Bayer UK breached NOAH's Code of Practice on Animal Welfare.
Sales reps referred to false reports of efficacy of NexGard Spectra

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has ruled that pharmaceutical firm Bayer UK breached the NOAH Code of Practice for the Promotion of Animal Medicines.

NOAH’s Code of Practice Committee met with Bayer chair Guy Tritton in January to discuss a complaint referred to them by Boehringer Ingelheim. The complaint concerned statements made by Bayer UK sales representatives to veterinary practices in various territories about the efficacy of NexGard Spectra® to prevent angiostrongylosis.

A NOAH press release reads: ‘The statements referred to false case reports about NexGard Spectra® and its efficacy. All such reports were false. Once notified of the communications activity, to its credit, Bayer UK took steps to address the matter with the sales representatives and stop the communication of this information.
 
‘It was accepted by Bayer UK that the reports were false and that the statements should not have been made and that this conduct breached clauses 4.3, 4.4 and 11.2 of the Code.

‘The Code of Practice Committee decided that the conduct of Bayer UK’s representatives was also in breach of Clause 3.1 of the NOAH Code, which states: “A Promotion must never be such as to bring discredit upon, or reduce confidence in, the animal medicines industry”.’

Full details about the case are available at noah.co.uk

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.