Global consumption and the challenge to pharmaceutical governance in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Governance of technologies such as pharmaceutical medications is achieved by legislation and by consent among different interests Globalisation challenges systems of governance as markets and consumption cross national frontiers The rise of e-pharmacy in the United Kingdom has been achieved without adapting legislation and has sustained existing systems of governance The internet challenges European Union bans on direct to consumer advertising Alliances between the pharmaceutical industry and consumer groups may affect future regulation.