Earlier today, we posted an item about AstraZeneca’s MUMS, or Mothers United for Mammograms campaign, which was designed to promote awareness of the test and, of course, promote the drugmaker’s cancer meds. As part of the effort, thousands of pink cupcakes were distributed to patients at hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices.

One lingering question: how were the cupcakes treated as an expense? To prompt discussion, we also ran a section of the company’s policy toward business expenses, and suggested there may be tax or, perhaps, HIPAA issues.

Now, this note comes trickling in…It’s written by AstraZeneca’s Compliance & Ethics Leader to several district sales manager in the Mid-Atlantic region. And what does she say? Don’t give them cupcakes.

From: Paskman, Andrea
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 4:49 PM
To: Danhoffer, Ronald E; Hardesty, Edward L: Russel, Joseph; Cioll Richard E (ONC DSM); Karcewski, Thomas M; Call, Teresa
Cc: Kelly, Shawn; Hagelbarger, Jeff A
Subject: FW: MUMs Programs
Importance: High

For those who have been asking about the MUMs program:

Recently, questions have been raised to both legal and compliance personnel regarding the sales force’s ability to distribute patient educational materials for the MUMs programs. During the month of May 2007, the sales force will be permitted to conduct such in-office MUMs programs, however the following provisions apply:

1. Approved patient education materials may be distributed to patients in the office on behalf of, and with the permission of, the HCPs
2. PSS may display patient education materials on a small table in the office waiting room
3. The provision of food, snacks, beverages, and/or flowers to patients is not permitted.

The future of the MUMs program and similar in-office programs is currently being evaluated. You will be notified once the evaluation is complete.