This workshop was organized by the Nordic Council on Medicines (NLN) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). It took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 24 to 25 September 2001.

The main objective of this meeting was to identify the minimum quantity of information a drug regulatory authority (DRA) should have on its web site, to define how to assess a DRA web site, and to get guidance on those subjects. A DRA web site is seen as a potential tool to help to fight inappropriate use of the Internet in both the distribution of biased and dangerous drug information and unlawful sale of products.

Many questions remain in relation to the use of the Internet: Do we need more guidelines? What can be done beyond the yellow booklet published by WHO (Medical products and the Internet: A guide to finding reliable information)?

Examples of DRA web sites were presented, as well as a proposal by WHO of a model web site for DRAs.

Drug regulatory officials from Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, and Tunisia, as well as representatives from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (IFPMA) and the International Organisation of Consumers Unions (Consumers International) attended the meeting (see Annex 1).

The organizing committee appointed by the NLN and WHO to plan the conference had the following members:

Nordic Council on Medicines

Dr Ola Westbye, Secretary General
Ms Anna Dahlin
Ms Karia Karlsson

World Health Organization

Dr Lembit Rägo, Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy
Mr Kees de Joncheere, Regional Adviser, Pharmaceuticals, Regional Office for Europe
Ms Elodie Jambert, Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy
Mr Jorg Hetzke, Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy
Dr Wilbert Bannenberg, Technical Adviser, Pharmaceuticals (making a presentation of behalf of the South African authorities)