GSK Supporting COPD Educational Program in Australia, Run by VentureWise

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and VentureWise are working together to bring educational programs about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to healthcare professionals in Australia.

VentureWise is an Australian company that provides health insights, data-informed health professional education programs, and works with health professionals and consumers to resolve treatment problems. The company also accredits continuing professional development.

The new GSK-funded COPD educational program aims to help clinicians make informed choices on COPD medicines, to improve patient adherence to treatment and training regarding inhaler techniques, and to reduce the confusion associated with choices among drugs for COPD and asthma.

“This agreement provides an opportunity for both parties to contribute to the enhancement of medical knowledge and improving quality use of medicines,” Greg Hughes, managing director of VentureWise, said in a news release. “As part of the agreement, VentureWise retains complete independence in determining all aspects of the design, content, and implementation of the program, ensuring it remains an independent, quality GP education program.”

“VentureWise has commissioned resources from within the MedicineWise Group to design, develop and deliver the education program,” Hughes added.

Earlier this year, GSK initiated a new framework for its medical education efforts and its interactions with health professionals to increase transparency and ensure their independence.

“VentureWise and GSK independently recognize there are challenges for GPs in keeping up with advances in COPD therapeutics, given the recent proliferation in options and in the evidence base,” said Dr. Andrew Weekes, GSK Australia’s medical director.

GSK’s support for the VentureWise programs is part of its mission to assist third-party educational efforts, including scientific, educational, or professional programs, meetings, or events for healthcare professionals that focus on continuing medical education, disease awareness, and treatments.

“GSK’s recent commitment to supporting independent medical education around such identified gaps gave us the opportunity to support this important program,” Weekes said.

“Our new funding framework guarantees the independence of this education, developed and delivered entirely at arm’s length from GSK. We believe this model has the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients in Australian primary care,” he said.

Educational visits began this month in designated sites across Australia.