Monash gains momentum
March 12, 2012
MONASH University’s new
complementary medicine (CM)
collaboration, which pushes for a
stronger evidence base CM is
gaining momentum, signing up a
new industry member, Flordis
natural medicines.
The collaboration, which was
outlined by Le Trobe University’s
Dr Ken Harvey at APP2012 over the
weekend, is designed to identify
the elements required to develop
an appropriate CM version of the
quality use of medicines (QUM)
regime, similar to that currently
applying to pharmaceutical drugs.
Once developed, the objective is
to implement and test the CMQUM
program on a pilot scale in a
defined population with a selected
range of products, in order to
assess its impact on different
stakeholder groups.
The project also aims to help
consumers and health professionals
in making informed decisions
regarding CMs, as well as to
support sponsors of evidencebased
products and to encourage
research and development.
Plans in the works include the
establishment of a reference group,
organisational structure, conflict of
interest guidelines and dialogue to
identify CM-QUM issues; as well as
the establishment of an opt-in
system for assessing data about
specific CM products; and a
dedicated website to disseminate
authorative information and the
endorsement of appropriate
promotional standards.
In addition, the collaboration
plans to develop and deliver CMQUM
educational modules and to
liaise with sponsors, educators,
professional associations etc; as
well as to develop sponsor
guidelines with opt-in sponsors on
appropriate communication of
product characteristics and ethical
promotion; and also to develop an
appropriate logo which designates
whether an assessment has been
conducted.
According to Harvey, the
collaboration is calling for
additional partners, as well as for
industry comment.
For more information, to join, or
to provide feedback email -
paul.komesaroff@monash.edu.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 12 Mar 12To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 12 Mar 12
