pharmasavedrugstores

Botox Proving to be a Headache for Some - Lawyers and Settlements

2008-04-25T19:46:00.001-07:00

Botox Proving to be a Headache for SomeLawyers and Settlements - 20 minutes agoAllergan Inc., the maker of Botox, is currently in the midst of Phase III clinical studies testing the potential use of Botox for headaches. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Botox Proving to be a Headache for Some - Lawyers and Settlements

FDA Recommends More Warnings For Lasik - NBC 4.com

2008-04-25T19:46:00.000-07:00

FDA Recommends More Warnings For LasikNBC 4.com, DC - 12 minutes ago"I was not able to see clear, everytime I was losing more of my vision and I was having headaches because I was forcing one eye, not the other one," Velarde …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA Recommends More Warnings For Lasik - NBC 4.com

Generic Antidepressants 400% Faster Acting! - clusterflock

2008-04-25T19:33:00.002-07:00

Generic Antidepressants 400% Faster Acting!clusterflock, TX - 15 hours agoReaders' postings cite side effects such as tremors, headaches, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Some consumers said their depression had returned, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Generic Antidepressants 400% Faster Acting! - clusterflock

Progenics Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call Tomorrow at 10 ? - FOXBusiness

2008-04-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

RTT News

Progenics Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call Tomorrow at 10 …FOXBusiness - 1 hour agoOpioids provide pain relief by specifically interacting with mu-opioid receptors within the central nervous system (CNS) - the brain and spinal cord. …Progenics and Wyeth Announce FDA Has Approved RELISTOR WELT ONLINEall 77 news articles

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Progenics Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call Tomorrow at 10 ? - FOXBusiness

Progenics Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call Tomorrow at 10 ? - WELT ONLINE

2008-04-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Progenics Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call Tomorrow at 10 …WELT ONLINE, Germany - 4 hours agoOpioids provide pain relief by specifically interacting with mu-opioid receptors within the central nervous system (CNS) – the brain and spinal cord. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Progenics Pharmaceuticals to Host Conference Call Tomorrow at 10 ? - WELT ONLINE

Latest product recalls - MLive.com

2008-04-24T19:55:00.001-07:00

Latest product recallsMLive.com, MI - 22 hours ago_KG Enterprises LLC is recalling Maxidus supplements, because they may contain active ingredients of FDA-regulated erectile dysfunction drugs that are not …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Latest product recalls - MLive.com

Pharma advertising: seeking innovative drug promotion - Pharmaceutical Business Review

2008-04-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

Pharma advertising: seeking innovative drug promotionPharmaceutical Business Review - 10 hours agoEarlier this week, Pfizer fell foul of the FDA with its online "Viva Viagra" advert, promoting its erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil). …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Pharma advertising: seeking innovative drug promotion - Pharmaceutical Business Review

Possible subsidy for pill known to trigger depression - Stuff.co.nz

2008-04-24T18:35:00.007-07:00

Possible subsidy for pill known to trigger depressionStuff.co.nz, New Zealand - 10 hours agoIn the United States, varenicline is the subject of a US FDA advisory linking it to serious neuropsychiatric symptoms. The agency has issued a warning the …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Possible subsidy for pill known to trigger depression - Stuff.co.nz

Popular campus vaccine nears its second birthday - Daily Cardinal

2008-04-24T18:35:00.006-07:00

Popular campus vaccine nears its second birthdayDaily Cardinal, WI - 8 hours ago… are complete and approved by the FDA. DC: How prevalent are HPV cases in comparison with other student health concerns? Roberts: HPV and genital warts …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Popular campus vaccine nears its second birthday - Daily Cardinal

Genzyme Reports Strong First-Quarter Growth - FOXBusiness

2008-04-24T18:35:00.005-07:00

Genzyme Reports Strong First-Quarter GrowthFOXBusiness - 5 hours agoThis previously announced adjustment reflects the delay in FDA approval of 2000L production capacity for Myozyme. — GAAP earnings in 2008 are expected to …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Genzyme Reports Strong First-Quarter Growth - FOXBusiness

HPV Concern For Men: What Do Men Need To Know? - Athens Exchange

2008-04-24T18:35:00.004-07:00

HPV Concern For Men: What Do Men Need To Know?Athens Exchange, GA - 3 hours agoHPV is commonly known for causing genital warts, but not all strains cause genital warts or any visible signs, the Mayo Clinic Staff said. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at HPV Concern For Men: What Do Men Need To Know? - Athens Exchange

An antimicrobial crisis - UI The Daily Iowan (subscription)

2008-04-24T18:35:00.003-07:00

An antimicrobial crisisUI The Daily Iowan (subscription), IA - 4 hours agoAnimals are increasingly given food that contains FDA-approved antibiotics, which in turn increases bacteria's resistance to antibiotics in humans, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at An antimicrobial crisis - UI The Daily Iowan (subscription)

Recalls: Consumer product safety information - Tampabay.com

2008-04-24T18:35:00.002-07:00

Recalls: Consumer product safety informationTampabay.com, FL - 8 minutes agoThe supplements may contain sildenafil and tadalafil, active ingredients of FDA-regulated erectile dysfunction drugs that are not declared on the packaging. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Recalls: Consumer product safety information - Tampabay.com

FDA to give patients of laser eye surgery a forum - WSBT-TV

2008-04-24T18:35:00.001-07:00

FDA to give patients of laser eye surgery a forumWSBT-TV, IN - 2 hours agoMatt Kotsovolos, of Raleigh, NC, says he has had debilitating dry eye, facial pain and migraine headaches since undergoing Lasik nearly two years ago. …

Original post by FDA "genital warts" - Google News

See original at FDA to give patients of laser eye surgery a forum - WSBT-TV

Progenics and Wyeth Announce FDA Has Approved RELISTOR - WELT ONLINE

2008-04-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Progenics and Wyeth Announce FDA Has Approved RELISTORWELT ONLINE, Germany - 1 hour agoIn clinical studies, RELISTOR significantly decreased the constipating effects of opioids without interfering with pain relief. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Progenics and Wyeth Announce FDA Has Approved RELISTOR - WELT ONLINE

Pharma Online Ad Bellwether WebMD Foresees Ad Slowdown

2008-04-24T07:22:00.003-07:00

“WebMD Health Corp. on Wednesday lowered its financial guidance for 2008, citing a softening ad marketplace,” reported Online Media Daily (see “WebMD Dampens Financial Prognosis On Ad Slowdown“).

This is WebMD’s second cut in its revenue guidance since February. In the beginning of the year, it forecast 2008 ad revenue in the range of $415 million to $430 million; now it forecasts a range of $380 to $395 million, which is about an 8% dip. And it’s only April!

Although eMarketer predicts that pharmaceutical companies anticipate spending more in 2008 on Internet advertising (Web sites, search and e-mail marketing) and less on traditional media, the prognosis from WebMD suggests that pharma ad money is NOT where their mouths are. WebMD, after all, relies “heavily” on pharmaceutical advertisers for revenue.

———————–
Don’t Let the Bad News Get You Down!

However this “softening” of the marketplace plays out, I believe the current situation requires that vendor companies, consultants, and agencies who do business with pharmaceutical companies need to work smarter as well as harder to keep clients and find new ones. Part of working smarter is expanding your business network.

That is why I am doing my bit by hosting the 4th Annual Pharma Marketing Networking Event/Dinner Reception on June 4, 2008 at the Princeton Marriott. Join over 100 of your colleagues for great food, interesting speakers and fun!

This event is in the evening from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM during the week (Wednesday). Therefore, it does NOT require you to leave your office during business hours and you’ll still get home early enough to get a great night’s sleep!

It costs less than 10% of what it would cost you to go to a regular industry conference — a lot less than that if you consider the fee for a room at hotels. My event does not require to stay overnight in a hotel!

Most importantly, I am going all out to help you network with all interesting pharma marketing and sales people I expect to be there. I have a unique idea that rewards one lucky attendee a $200 gift certificate for meeting up with a minimum number of attendees. It’s a contest! For details, please see the agenda.

HURRY! Register by May 5, 2008 to get the reduced EARLY BIRD SPECIAL RATE!

See original at Pharma Online Ad Bellwether WebMD Foresees Ad Slowdown

Are you feeling like a valued employee?

2008-04-24T07:22:00.002-07:00

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to Acquire Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a World Leader in “Sirtuin” Research and Development for $720M - FierceBiotech

In what must be the highest valuation paid for a Phase 2 drug and a pipeline of follow-ups (all in the same pharmacological category mind you), GSK is paying nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars for Sirtris.

That’s $180 million for each of Sirtris’ four years of existence.

Okay, so Sirtris has its share of sirtuin-activator patent applications pending (at least 180, according to the company). But those aren’t issued patents, are they?

Three-quarters of a billion. That’s roughly three-quarters of a billion for each of Sirtris’ one issued U.S. patent.

And they’ve got a small-molecule drug that apparently has cleared Phase 2. But that leaves another development phase and a regulatory review to go before even getting to market by my math.

Three-quarters of a billion with at least four more years of development time.

History tells me that pioneering small molecules for diabetes that have cleared this development hurdle have roughly a coin’s toss odds of eventually gaining major marketing approval, and a much lower chance of making it to market and becoming blockbusters.

And yet.

Three-quarters of a billion. Roughly $9 milion per Sirtris employee.

Are you feeling valued yet?

See original at Are you feeling like a valued employee?

Pharma Online Ad Bellwether WebMD Foresees Ad Slowdown

2008-04-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

———————–
Don’t Let the Bad News Get You Down!

HURRY! Register by May 5, 2008 to get the reduced EARLY BIRD SPECIAL RATE!

See original at Pharma Online Ad Bellwether WebMD Foresees Ad Slowdown

Are you feeling like a valued employee?

2008-04-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to Acquire Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, a World Leader in “Sirtuin” Research and Development for $720M - FierceBiotech

That’s $180 million for each of Sirtris’ four years of existence.

Okay, so Sirtris has its share of sirtuin-activator patent applications pending (at least 180, according to the company). But those aren’t issued patents, are they?

Three-quarters of a billion. That’s roughly three-quarters of a billion for each of Sirtris’ one issued U.S. patent.

And they’ve got a small-molecule drug that apparently has cleared Phase 2. But that leaves another development phase and a regulatory review to go before even getting to market by my math.

Three-quarters of a billion with at least four more years of development time.

And yet.

Three-quarters of a billion. Roughly $9 milion per Sirtris employee.

Are you feeling valued yet?

See original at Are you feeling like a valued employee?

How generic drugs differ from brand names - WSBT-TV

2008-04-23T15:59:00.003-07:00

How generic drugs differ from brand namesWSBT-TV, IN - 6 hours agoReaders' postings cite side effects such as tremors, headaches, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Some consumers said their depression had returned, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at How generic drugs differ from brand names - WSBT-TV

Beco Baby Carriers Recalled for Fall Hazard - DentalPlans.com

2008-04-23T15:59:00.002-07:00

Beco Baby Carriers Recalled for Fall HazardDentalPlans.com, FL - 16 hours agoViagra's label warns users of potential risks to patients with existing heart conditions, and possible side effects including headaches and abnormal vision. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Beco Baby Carriers Recalled for Fall Hazard - DentalPlans.com

Some generic brand drugs having adverse effects on users - Myrtle Beach Sun News

2008-04-23T15:59:00.001-07:00

Some generic brand drugs having adverse effects on usersMyrtle Beach Sun News, SC - 16 hours agoReaders' postings cite side effects such as tremors, headaches, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Some consumers said their depression had returned, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Some generic brand drugs having adverse effects on users - Myrtle Beach Sun News

Viagra Ad Not Mentioning Health Risks Prompts FDA Warning - eFluxMedia

2008-04-23T15:59:00.000-07:00

Viagra Ad Not Mentioning Health Risks Prompts FDA WarningeFluxMedia - 22 minutes agoBy Anna Boyd The US Food and Drug Administration warned Pfizer Inc. on Monday for not mentioning the risks of its erectile dysfunction drug Viagra in an …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Viagra Ad Not Mentioning Health Risks Prompts FDA Warning - eFluxMedia

Latest product recalls - The Associated Press

2008-04-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Latest product recallsThe Associated Press - 25 minutes ago_KG Enterprises LLC is recalling Maxidus supplements, because they may contain active ingredients of FDA-regulated erectile dysfunction drugs that are not …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Latest product recalls - The Associated Press

VIVUS Completes Enrollment in the Third Phase 3 CONQUER (OB-303) Trial - PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)

2008-04-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

VIVUS Completes Enrollment in the Third Phase 3 CONQUER (OB-303) TrialPR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - 16 hours agoUnder the SPA process, the Company and the FDA reached agreement on study design features that will be employed throughout the entire phase 3 program, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at VIVUS Completes Enrollment in the Third Phase 3 CONQUER (OB-303) Trial - PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)

Genzyme Reports Strong First-Quarter Growth - PR Newswire (press release)

2008-04-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Genzyme Reports Strong First-Quarter GrowthPR Newswire (press release), NY - 58 minutes agoThis previously announced adjustment reflects the delay in FDA approval of 2000L production capacity for Myozyme. — GAAP earnings in 2008 are expected to …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Genzyme Reports Strong First-Quarter Growth - PR Newswire (press release)

VIVUS Completes Enrollment in the Third Phase 3 CONQUER (OB-303) Trial - Business Wire (press release)

2008-04-23T04:26:00.006-07:00

VIVUS Completes Enrollment in the Third Phase 3 CONQUER (OB-303) TrialBusiness Wire (press release), CA - 9 hours agoUnder the SPA process, the Company and the FDA reached agreement on study design features that will be employed throughout the entire phase 3 program, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at VIVUS Completes Enrollment in the Third Phase 3 CONQUER (OB-303) Trial - Business Wire (press release)

The HPV Vaccine: Herd Immunity or Human Sacrifice? - Natural News.com

2008-04-23T04:26:00.005-07:00

The HPV Vaccine: Herd Immunity or Human Sacrifice?Natural News.com, AZ - 7 hours agoAccording to the CDC, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, and certain types of HPV can cause cervical and other cancers …

Original post by FDA "genital warts" - Google News

See original at The HPV Vaccine: Herd Immunity or Human Sacrifice? - Natural News.com

Viagra Ad Prompts FDA Warning - Newsinferno.com

2008-04-23T04:26:00.004-07:00

Viagra Ad Prompts FDA WarningNewsinferno.com, NY - 6 hours agoThe Viagra ad, which runs online, does not warn of the erectile dysfunction drug's many side effects, prompting the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Viagra Ad Prompts FDA Warning - Newsinferno.com

FDA issues Viagra ad warning letter - Medical Marketing and Media

2008-04-23T04:26:00.003-07:00

FDA issues Viagra ad warning letterMedical Marketing and Media, NY - 4 hours agoViagra's label warns of potential risks to patients with existing heart conditions as well as reported headaches and abnormal vision. The FDA warning letter …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA issues Viagra ad warning letter - Medical Marketing and Media

Health Highlights: April 22, 2008 - Washington Post

2008-04-23T04:26:00.002-07:00

Health Highlights: April 22, 2008Washington Post, United States - 2 hours agoViagra's label warns users of potential risks to patients with existing heart conditions, and possible side effects including headaches and abnormal vision.

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Health Highlights: April 22, 2008 - Washington Post

Generic Drugs Raise Questions About Safety, Effectiveness - Newsinferno.com

2008-04-23T04:26:00.001-07:00

Generic Drugs Raise Questions About Safety, EffectivenessNewsinferno.com, NY - 46 minutes agoReceiving a higher dose of bupropion up front could cause headaches, irritability, nausea, and seizures and even a return of depression or suicidal thoughts …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Generic Drugs Raise Questions About Safety, Effectiveness - Newsinferno.com

GlaxoSmithKline To Acquire Sirtris Pharma - Update [GSK] - RTT News

2008-04-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

GlaxoSmithKline To Acquire Sirtris Pharma - Update [GSK]RTT News, NY - 8 minutes agoThe earliest symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, recurrent headaches and seizures. The acquisition has been approved by the board of directors of …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at GlaxoSmithKline To Acquire Sirtris Pharma - Update [GSK] - RTT News

US regulator not amused by Viva Viagra! online advert - Pharma Times (subscription)

2008-04-22T13:11:00.009-07:00

US regulator not amused by Viva Viagra! online advertPharma Times (subscription), UK - 19 minutes agoPfizer has responded to the FDA's letter saying that due to a technical error at CNN.com, "the safety information contained in a companion banner …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at US regulator not amused by Viva Viagra! online advert - Pharma Times (subscription)

FDA Says Pfizer Viagra Video - Wall Street Journal

2008-04-22T13:11:00.008-07:00

FDA Says Pfizer Viagra VideoWall Street Journal - 21 minutes agoBy JENNIFER CORBETT DOOREN WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration said Monday a video featuring Pfizer Inc.'s erectile dysfunction drug Viagra …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA Says Pfizer Viagra Video - Wall Street Journal

FDA says Pfizer's online Viagra ad did not mention risks - The Associated Press

2008-04-22T13:11:00.007-07:00

FDA says Pfizer's online Viagra ad did not mention risksThe Associated Press - 3 hours agoViagra's label warns of potential risks to patients with existing heart conditions as well as reported headaches and abnormal vision. In its warning letter, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA says Pfizer's online Viagra ad did not mention risks - The Associated Press

Alpharma to Withdraw and Resubmit Its New Drug Application for ? - Genetic Engineering News (press release)

2008-04-22T13:11:00.006-07:00

Alpharma to Withdraw and Resubmit Its New Drug Application for …Genetic Engineering News (press release), NY - 1 hour agoIn clinical trials, when EMBEDA(TM) was taken as directed, it provided effective pain relief and the sequestered naltrexone passed through the body without …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Alpharma to Withdraw and Resubmit Its New Drug Application for ? - Genetic Engineering News (press release)

Alpharma to Withdraw and Resubmit Its New Drug Application for ? - CNNMoney.com

2008-04-22T13:11:00.005-07:00

Alpharma to Withdraw and Resubmit Its New Drug Application for …CNNMoney.com - 3 minutes agoIn clinical trials, when EMBEDA™ was taken as directed, it provided effective pain relief and the sequestered naltrexone passed through the body without …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Alpharma to Withdraw and Resubmit Its New Drug Application for ? - CNNMoney.com

Differ From Brand Names - Wall Street Journal

2008-04-22T13:11:00.004-07:00

Differ From Brand NamesWall Street Journal - 1 minute agoReaders' postings cite side effects such as tremors, headaches, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Some consumers said their depression had returned, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Differ From Brand Names - Wall Street Journal

Viagra online ad stops due to FDA warning - Xinhua

2008-04-22T13:11:00.003-07:00

Viagra online ad stops due to FDA warningXinhua, China - 46 minutes agoThe US regulator said in a warning letter that Pfizer's erectile dysfunction drug violated the agency's advertising rules and did not disclose "any risk …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Viagra online ad stops due to FDA warning - Xinhua

Alpharma Withdraws New Drug Application For Embeda Capsules; To ? - RTT News

2008-04-22T13:11:00.002-07:00

Alpharma Withdraws New Drug Application For Embeda Capsules; To …RTT News, NY - 13 minutes agoIn clinical trials, when Embeda was taken as directed, it provided effective pain relief and the sequestered naltrexone passed through the body without …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Alpharma Withdraws New Drug Application For Embeda Capsules; To ? - RTT News

Morning Briefing - News & Observer

2008-04-22T13:11:00.001-07:00

Morning BriefingNews & Observer, NC - 39 minutes agoViagra's label warns of potential risks to patients with existing heart conditions, as well as reports of headaches and abnormal vision.

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Morning Briefing - News & Observer

Violative Viva Viagra Video - Still There!

2008-04-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

On April 16, 2008, the FDA's DDMAC asked Pfizer to "immediately cease dissemination of violative promotional materials for Viagra" -- namely a video on the Viagra Web site that shows a group of men in a Nashville studio playing instruments and singing the following song:

"Hey fellas, check this out... First time I saw her, she set my world.. .y'know she set my world to reeling and as the years go by, for this country guy... well, we never lost the feelin'. Well, this bily goat, I played my last note...can't wait...I can't wait to get home. ..Viva Viagra!"

"The video," says DDMAC in its letter to Pfizer CEO Jeff Kindler, "then ends with an audio voice over that states 'Talk to your doctor about Viagra, America's most prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction.' This video is misleading because it ! makes representations and suggestions about the use of Viagra for erectile dysfunction, but fails to disclose any risk information for the drug."

Kindler, in a comment to Pharmalot, said "Due to a technical error by the website, the safety information contained in a companion banner complementing the video was not displayed as instructed. Pfizer discovered the error, notified the website of the error, and our understanding was that the website corrected its error immediately."

Bull!

The video is still there without any "complementary" banner other than "Learn about the benefits of VIAGRA" at the end. The risk information is STILL missing. It's also missing when you download the video from the site and run it locally, which I have done.

Just another example of a Web 2.0 trick that can be performed right under the FDA's nose (see "Web 2.0 Pharma Marketing Tricks for Dummies").

Hello DDMAC! It's been about a week since you sent that letter. What's you next step? You end your letter by saying: "Failure to correct the violations discussed above may result in FDA regulatory action, including seizure or injunction, without further notice."

We're prepared to wait until Hell freezes over, which may happen before the FDA ever takes such an unprecedented action.

See original at Violative Viva Viagra Video - Still There!

The Real Value of Blogs for Marketing Is...

2008-04-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how much blogosphere space is being devoted to the Zyrtec "guerrilla marketing" campaign. The guerrilla aspect of that campaign is the attachment of at least one hundred flyers to urban telephone poles and construction site scaffolds.

For my initial take on this, see "Zyrtec Telephone Pole Ad Campaign: Guerilla or Gorilla Marketing?"

Here are some of the blog and other "Web 2.0" posts touting this campaign:

"Zyrtec slaps down Claritin in guerrilla marketing war" -- eDrugSearch. "Compared to the shlock we usually get from Big Pharma, it's a breath of fresh air..."
"simple = better." -- BrandFlakesfor Breakfast. "No stunning photography. No gorgeous models. No design. Just a simple message. Absolutely love this street campaign for Zyrtec."
"Live From New York: It's Zyrtec Guerilla Marketing!" -- Envisioning 2.0. "Overall, this is a very, very clever campaign that's sure to generate a lot of buzz for Zyrtec."
"Can A Sharpie Poster Push More Sales Than A Glossy Ad?" -- AdRants. "It was cool to see how simple copy scribbled with Sharpie on plain white paper taped to telephone poles around the city had the ability to cut through the clutter of its competitors' glossy ads."

My question is this:
If hundreds of these flyers were nailed to telephone poles and no-one in the blogosphere wrote about it, would it make a sound?

Answer: Nope!

I have no idea if any of the above bloggers who had favorable things to say about this campaign were paid to write their posts and spread the image around the blogosphere. I do know, however, that without these blog posts:

You and I may not have heard of this "guerrilla marketing" campaign, and
The media, which is sure to pick up on this soon, will not have heard of it nor thought it justified a story.

To my knowledge, there has not yet been a story about this written in the major med! ia. What I expect is that the PR people will continue to work the blogosphere, use that "buzz" as leverage to point out how new and different this is so they can convince a reporter to write about it!

Another question:
If hundreds of these flyers were nailed to telephone poles and NOT ALSO seen in full-page magazine ads and on TV DTC ads, would it make a sound?

The first time I saw this "guerrilla campaign" was actually as a standard full-page DTC ad in Time Magazine! Not very guerrilla.

I have no doubt that I will soon see it also on TV. Here's how it might play on TV:

We see a young woman walking through her neighborhood tacking flyers on poles and trees. A guy walking his dog notices her and wanders over to a flyer after she leaves. You hear nothing but ambient sounds -- no music, no voiceover. The camera zooms in to the ad as the guy plucks a tab off the flyer.

Since TV ads cost a fortune, I cannot envision tha! t the advertisers will not take the opportunity to present the! 30-seco nd message you get when you call the number on the tab. So, in my TV version of this ad, the guy uses his cell phone to call the 1-800 number and we hear the message. End of ad.

So, how effective is this "guerrilla" campaign? If it were just the several hundred flyers posted to poles, trees, and scaffolds without the blogosphere buzz and without the full-page ad in Time Magazine, it could not be effective at all!

The blogosphere, however, is a crucial new "buzz building" component of the PR campaign, which these days lays the foundation of a true DTC campaign (see, for example, "PR Marketing: Mystery Wrapped in a Riddle").

It's also questionable whether it can be effective with just added buzz provided by the blogosphere. I contend that it needs the usual suspects -- traditional media, print, TV -- to truly be effective. But then, it no longer is "guerrilla marketing" is it?

See original at The Real Value of Blogs for Marketing Is...

Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q results - CNBC

2008-04-21T03:43:00.003-07:00

Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q resultsCNBC, NJ - Apr 18, 2008Sales of Lilly's erectile dysfunction drug Cialis may have gotten a boost during the quarter after the FDA approved a new daily dose of the drug. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q results - CNBC

Before you pop - GoErie.com

2008-04-21T03:43:00.002-07:00

Before you popGoErie.com, PA - 41 minutes agoKnown by their most popular brand names, Advil and Tylenol, respectively, these over-the-counter medications have relieved the pain of headaches, …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Before you pop - GoErie.com

Treximet (sumatriptan And Naproxen Sodium) Tablets Approved By FDA ? - Medical News Today (press release)

2008-04-21T03:43:00.001-07:00

Treximet (sumatriptan And Naproxen Sodium) Tablets Approved By FDA …Medical News Today (press release), UK - 35 minutes agoMigraine headaches continue to be a significant problem for the estimated 29.5 million Americans, nearly half of which are undiagnosed. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Treximet (sumatriptan And Naproxen Sodium) Tablets Approved By FDA ? - Medical News Today (press release)

New Abbott Kaletra® (lopinavir/ritonavir) Lower-Strength Tablet ? - Medical News Today (press release)

2008-04-21T03:43:00.000-07:00

New Abbott Kaletra® (lopinavir/ritonavir) Lower-Strength Tablet …Medical News Today (press release), UK - 3 minutes agoKaletra may interact with erectile dysfunction agents (eg, sildenafil or tadalafil). Lower doses of these medicines should be prescribed in patients taking …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at New Abbott Kaletra® (lopinavir/ritonavir) Lower-Strength Tablet ? - Medical News Today (press release)

The Mind-Heart Connection: What Is Stress and the ‘Stress Response’? - ProHealth?s ImmuneSupport.com

2008-04-21T03:29:00.001-07:00

The Mind-Heart Connection: What Is Stress and the 'Stress Response'?ProHealth’s ImmuneSupport.com, CA - 48 minutes agoNote: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition or …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at The Mind-Heart Connection: What Is Stress and the 'Stress Response'? - ProHealth?s ImmuneSupport.com

OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Friday, April 18th ? - Manufacturing Business Technology

2008-04-21T03:29:00.000-07:00

OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Friday, April 18th …Manufacturing Business Technology, IL - Apr 18, 2008This creates headaches for the manager or business partners especially when they are paid by the hour or by the trip. For these situations, installing a …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Friday, April 18th ? - Manufacturing Business Technology

Inside Medicine: Canada's drug-ad ban may wear off - Sacramento Bee

2008-04-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Inside Medicine: Canada's drug-ad ban may wear offSacramento Bee, USA - 4 minutes agoIn Canada, the pharmaceutical companies claim their equivalent of the FDA, Health Canada, can police the ads just like they do in the United States. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Inside Medicine: Canada's drug-ad ban may wear off - Sacramento Bee

Trexime Tablets Approved For Acute Treatment Of Migraine - eMaxHealth.com

2008-04-19T10:18:00.007-07:00

Trexime Tablets Approved For Acute Treatment Of MigraineeMaxHealth.com, NC - 14 hours agoMigraine headaches continue to be a significant problem for the estimated 29.5 million Americans, nearly half of which are undiagnosed. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Trexime Tablets Approved For Acute Treatment Of Migraine - eMaxHealth.com

Unique vaccine helps man with cancer - abc7.com

2008-04-19T10:18:00.006-07:00

Unique vaccine helps man with cancerabc7.com, CA - 51 minutes agoOn a stop in Colorado, the altitude got to him and his severe headaches landed Kevin in the emergency room. "They sent me over there had an MRI and then …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Unique vaccine helps man with cancer - abc7.com

Generic Wellbutrin Gets FDA Backing, Despite User Complaints - Newsinferno.com

2008-04-19T10:18:00.005-07:00

Generic Wellbutrin Gets FDA Backing, Despite User ComplaintsNewsinferno.com, NY - 31 minutes agoOthers reported new or worsening side effects including headaches, fatigue, anxiety, and digestion issues. "The question is whether the reported lack of …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Generic Wellbutrin Gets FDA Backing, Despite User Complaints - Newsinferno.com

Cervical cancer vaccine being tested on men - Jamaica Observer

2008-04-19T10:18:00.004-07:00

Cervical cancer vaccine being tested on menJamaica Observer, Jamaica - 2 hours ago"For example, genital warts, which produces HPV types six and 11 occur basically as frequently in men than they do in women overall and men also suffer from …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Cervical cancer vaccine being tested on men - Jamaica Observer

OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Friday, April 18th ? - Trading Markets (press release)

2008-04-19T10:18:00.003-07:00

OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Friday, April 18th …Trading Markets (press release), CA - 43 minutes agoThis creates headaches for the manager or business partners especially when they are paid by the hour or by the trip. For these situations, installing a …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Stocks to Watch for Friday, April 18th ? - Trading Markets (press release)

Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q results - CNNMoney.com

2008-04-19T10:18:00.002-07:00

Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q resultsCNNMoney.com - 1 hour agoSales of Lilly's erectile dysfunction drug Cialis may have gotten a boost during the quarter after the FDA approved a new daily dose of the drug. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q results - CNNMoney.com

Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q results - Forbes

2008-04-19T10:18:00.001-07:00

Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q resultsForbes, NY - 3 minutes agoSales of Lilly's erectile dysfunction drug Cialis may have gotten a boost during the quarter after the FDA approved a new daily dose of the drug. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Earnings Preview: Eli Lilly seen posting positive 1Q results - Forbes

Heparin Scare Tests FDA’s Drug Quality Agreement With China - FDA news (subscription)

2008-04-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Heparin Scare Tests FDA's Drug Quality Agreement With ChinaFDA news (subscription), VA - 2 hours agoPfizer's cholesterol drug Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) and erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil citrate), human growth hormone, Roche's influenza …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at Heparin Scare Tests FDA's Drug Quality Agreement With China - FDA news (subscription)

AP Health NewsBrief at 9:17 am EDT - TMCnet

2008-04-17T17:04:00.006-07:00

AP Health NewsBrief at 9:17 am EDTTMCnet - 1 hour agoSome patients said they also experienced headaches, anxiety and other side effects. PetSmart sued over infected hamster blamed in 3 deathsBOSTON (AP) _ A …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at AP Health NewsBrief at 9:17 am EDT - TMCnet

DAILY DIGEST - San Francisco Chronicle

2008-04-17T17:04:00.005-07:00

DAILY DIGESTSan Francisco Chronicle, USA - 1 hour agoSome patients said they also experienced headaches, anxiety and other side effects. In a report posted online, the FDA concluded the reoccurrence of …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at DAILY DIGEST - San Francisco Chronicle

FDA should help firms investigate adverse events, says CRN - NutraIngredients-usa.com

2008-04-17T17:04:00.004-07:00

FDA should help firms investigate adverse events, says CRNNutraIngredients-usa.com, France - 1 hour agoTo this end, CRN urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider the inclusion, on adverse events reporting forms, of a disclaimer by the consumer …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA should help firms investigate adverse events, says CRN - NutraIngredients-usa.com

FDA finds Teva's generic antidepressant safe - Globes

2008-04-17T17:04:00.003-07:00

FDA finds Teva's generic antidepressant safeGlobes, Israel - 1 hour ago78 patients said they also experienced headaches, anxiety and other side effects. The FDA said that the recurrence of depression and other side effects are …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA finds Teva's generic antidepressant safe - Globes

Will a "Fun" Stock Index of Olympic Partners Turn Serious? - NewsBlaze

2008-04-17T17:04:00.002-07:00

Will a "Fun" Stock Index of Olympic Partners Turn Serious?NewsBlaze, CA - 6 hours ago… player Kobe Bryant and US football star Michael Vick have been involved in high-profile legal battles that have created headaches for sponsors. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Will a "Fun" Stock Index of Olympic Partners Turn Serious? - NewsBlaze

FDA probe clears generic Wellbutrin - FiercePharma

2008-04-17T17:04:00.001-07:00

FDA probe clears generic WellbutrinFiercePharma, DC - 29 minutes agoThey also cited new side effects such as headaches and anxiety. ConsumerLab.com tested the copycat drug, finding that it released 34 percent of its active …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA probe clears generic Wellbutrin - FiercePharma

The Preemption Clause - ADVANCE

2008-04-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

The Preemption ClauseADVANCE, PA - 55 minutes agoIn that case, Diana Levine, a professional musician, was administered Phenergan to alleviate nausea caused by migraine headaches. After injecting the drug …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at The Preemption Clause - ADVANCE

Feds Seize More Than $100000 of Unapproved Drugs Marketed as ? - Pharmaceutical Processing

2008-04-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Feds Seize More Than $100000 of Unapproved Drugs Marketed as …Pharmaceutical Processing, NJ - 4 minutes agoAlthough labeled as natural supplements, the seized products were all marketed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), impotency, and/or to provide sexual …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Feds Seize More Than $100000 of Unapproved Drugs Marketed as ? - Pharmaceutical Processing

AP Health NewsBrief at 11:06 pm EDT - TMCnet

2008-04-17T02:07:00.010-07:00

AP Health NewsBrief at 11:06 pm EDTTMCnet - 43 minutes agoSome patients said they also experienced headaches, anxiety and other side effects. PetSmart sued over infected hamster blamed in 3 deathsBOSTON (AP) _ A …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at AP Health NewsBrief at 11:06 pm EDT - TMCnet

Briefing: The Viagra revolution - The Week Daily

2008-04-17T02:07:00.009-07:00

Briefing: The Viagra revolutionThe Week Daily - 4 hours agoPfizer's " erectile dysfunction" drug is one of the most widely used prescription medicines in the world. Since its approval by the Food and Drug …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Briefing: The Viagra revolution - The Week Daily

Pozen shares surge on FDA approval - Charlotte Observer

2008-04-17T02:07:00.008-07:00

Pozen shares surge on FDA approvalCharlotte Observer, NC - 26 minutes agoThe headaches are recurrent, cause moderate to severe pain that can be throbbing or confined to one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea, …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at Pozen shares surge on FDA approval - Charlotte Observer

FDA stiffs $100000 worth of 'natural' erectile drugs - NutraIngredients-usa.com

2008-04-17T02:07:00.007-07:00

FDA stiffs $100000 worth of 'natural' erectile drugsNutraIngredients-usa.com, France - 43 minutes ago" erectile dysfunction is a common problem in men with these medical conditions," the FDA stated. "Because they may have been advised against taking erectile …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA stiffs $100000 worth of 'natural' erectile drugs - NutraIngredients-usa.com

UPDATE 1-US FDA says generic Wellbutrin OK despite reports - Reuters

2008-04-17T02:07:00.006-07:00

UPDATE 1-US FDA says generic Wellbutrin OK despite reportsReuters - 53 minutes agoOther patients reported new or worsening side effects, including headaches, fatigue, anxiety and digestion issues. "The question is whether the reported …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at UPDATE 1-US FDA says generic Wellbutrin OK despite reports - Reuters

FDA review finds generic Wellbutrin safe, effective - The Associated Press

2008-04-17T02:07:00.005-07:00

FDA review finds generic Wellbutrin safe, effectiveThe Associated Press - 50 minutes agoSome patients said they also experienced headaches, anxiety and other side effects. In a report posted online, FDA concluded the reoccurance of depression …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at FDA review finds generic Wellbutrin safe, effective - The Associated Press

Pellets: The Safer Hormone Replacement Therapy - FOXNews

2008-04-17T02:07:00.004-07:00

Pellets: The Safer Hormone Replacement TherapyFOXNews - 35 minutes ago"They're not FDA approved, and when the other (prescription) hormones came out people went to those. But now doctors have stopped prescribing those and …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Pellets: The Safer Hormone Replacement Therapy - FOXNews

Are Energy Drinks the Newest Drug? - FOXBusiness

2008-04-17T02:07:00.003-07:00

Are Energy Drinks the Newest Drug?FOXBusiness - 11 minutes agoIt can lead to higher heart rates, anxiety attacks, headaches, inconsistent sleep patterns and hypertension. 3. The Food and Drug Administration contacted …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Are Energy Drinks the Newest Drug? - FOXBusiness

Federal bill aims to create 1 million teen summer jobs - San Francisco Chronicle

2008-04-17T02:07:00.002-07:00

Federal bill aims to create 1 million teen summer jobsSan Francisco Chronicle, USA - 41 minutes agoSome patients said they also experienced headaches, anxiety and other side effects. In a report posted online, the FDA concluded the reoccurrence of …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Federal bill aims to create 1 million teen summer jobs - San Francisco Chronicle

Federal Agency Approves Use Of Generic Wellbutrin In Depression ? - AHN

2008-04-17T02:07:00.001-07:00

Federal Agency Approves Use Of Generic Wellbutrin In depression …AHN - 15 minutes agoSome patients also complained of headaches, anxiety and other side effects. After evaluating the reports concerning the generic version of bupropion …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Federal Agency Approves Use Of Generic Wellbutrin In Depression ? - AHN

Zyrtec Telephone Pole Ad Campaign: Guerilla or Gorilla Marketing?

2008-04-17T02:07:00.000-07:00

This morning, I posted a note about a Zyrtec print reminder ad (see “Zyrtec Reminder Print Ad — Is It Legal?“), which seemed to be a follow-on to what Fard Johnmar called “a clever guerrilla marketing campaign once reserved for consumer packaged goods companies and underground musical acts.”

The “guerrilla” aspect of this campaign involves hiring Zyrtec ad agency minions to nail flyers to telephone poles as illustrated in the print ad. Fard stepped out of his office in NYC and actually saw one of these flyers!

Of course, there are no telephone poles in NYC and the flyer Fard saw was attached to some scaffolding at a construction site.

I don’t know about you, but I walk on the other side of the street from construction sites when I pedest in the Big Apple! You never know when the errant construction crane or bucket of cement is going to come tumbling down on you!

There ARE plenty of telephone poles out here in the suburbs, but I NEVER see anything posted on them. Except for teenagers crashing their cars into them, we suburbanites and country folk never get close and personal with telephone poles.

There are two things I’d like to know about such “clever guerilla marketing campaigns”:

Who’s the audience? Most people who can afford OTC Zyrtec are not cruising the streets taking phone numbers off flyers!
How much is McNeil paying riffraff to plaster our cities with this debris? Which brings me back to Jack Friday’s question: Is it legal?

I suspect that pasting unauthorized ads on scaffolds and nailing them to telephone poles is definitely NOT legal in most US cities!

So, the print ad showing a flyer attached to a telephone pole IS legal, but the real-world notices that Fard is seeing are NOT legal! And the print ad tells us exactly who the culprit is!

See original at Zyrtec Telephone Pole Ad Campaign: Guerilla or Gorilla Marketing?

Zyrtec Reminder Print Ad -- Is It Legal?

2008-04-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

Jack Friday (aka “Insider”) over at PharmaGossip blog asks if the Zyrtec print reminder ad shown on the left is legal (see “DTC — Is It Legal?“). This consumer print ad was found in the April 21, 2008 issue of TIME Magazine.

Sure it’s legal! Why not?

Jack is probably thinking that it violates Principle #10 of PhRMA’s Guiding Principles for Direct To Consumer Advertising for Prescription Medicines that calls for the elimination of so-called “Reminder Ads,” which are usually 30-second TV commercials that mention a drug’s name without stating the health conditions for which the medicine is approved and without listing the major risks associated with the drug.

Here’s why this Zyrtec print ad is not illegal: Reminder prescription drug ads are perfectly legal from a regulatory point of view, PhRMA’s DTC Guideline #10 only applies to TV ads and NOT to print or Internet ads (or ads posted on telephone poles), PhRMA’s DTC guidelines are not legally binding, and Most importantly, Zyrtec is NOT an Rx product — it is OTC and can be sold without a prescription!

Why would the Zyrtec marketers resort to a reminder print ad for their OTC product when they are not required to list all the major side effects as would be required in an prescription non-reminder drug ad? In my review of Rx and OTC print ads (see “Print DTC: How Does It Measure Up?“), ordinary OTC print ads are notoriously lacking side effect information.

Obviously, the Zyrtec marketers want you to call 1-800-4-ZYRTEC, which I did.

I wonder how many people like me actually called the 1-800 number? I was hoping for a live person to answer so I could claim to have found the missing Claritin! Unfortunately, all I got was a recorded audio ad that directed me to the Web site, which directed me to sites where I could buy Zyrtec online! You can hear the recording by clicking here.

Considering that Americans — especially gun-totting, religious, small town Americans — are not that fond of reading, this is a good ploy. Of course, they could have just put the Zyrtec Web site URL in the ad and eliminated a step. That would have been a good strategy if we all had iPhones with built-in Internet access.

P.S. A post on Adrants suggests that this print ad follows on to a guerilla marketing tactic that actually posted flyers on phone poles in Boston! I doubt this is a true story — more likely a Web 2.0 plant by crafty Zyrtec marketers.

See original at Zyrtec Reminder Print Ad -- Is It Legal?

FDA Issues Warning on Impotence Drugs - Free Market News Network

2008-04-16T08:31:00.009-07:00

FDA Issues Warning on Impotence DrugsFree Market News Network, FL - 17 minutes agoThe erectile dysfunction drugs in the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) class include Pfizer's Viagra, Eli Lilly's Cialis and GlaxoSmithKline's Levitra. …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at FDA Issues Warning on Impotence Drugs - Free Market News Network

ARTHUR VANMOOR SENTENCED TO 210 MONTHS IN JAIL FOR SELLING FAKE ? - PressZoom (press release)

2008-04-16T08:31:00.008-07:00

ARTHUR VANMOOR SENTENCED TO 210 MONTHS IN JAIL FOR SELLING FAKE …PressZoom (press release), Netherlands - 16 minutes ago… by falsely claiming, among other things, that the products were FDA approved drugs guaranteed to cure numerous forms of cancer and migraine headaches. …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at ARTHUR VANMOOR SENTENCED TO 210 MONTHS IN JAIL FOR SELLING FAKE ? - PressZoom (press release)

GlaxoSmithKline, Pozen Announce FDA Approval Of Treximet Tablets ? - RTT News

2008-04-16T08:31:00.007-07:00

GlaxoSmithKline, Pozen Announce FDA Approval Of Treximet Tablets …RTT News, NY - 19 minutes agoMigraine headaches continue to be a significant problem for an estimated 29.5 million Americans, nearly half of which are undiagnosed. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at GlaxoSmithKline, Pozen Announce FDA Approval Of Treximet Tablets ? - RTT News

Medicine for an ailing market - Sydney Morning Herald

2008-04-16T08:31:00.006-07:00

Medicine for an ailing marketSydney Morning Herald, Australia - 16 minutes agoGenera believes its PapType product is positioned well against the only currently approved FDA product from US company Digene Inc. It is worth noting that a …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Medicine for an ailing market - Sydney Morning Herald

Vaccinating boys for girls' sake? - Santa Rosa Press Democrat

2008-04-16T08:31:00.005-07:00

Vaccinating boys for girls' sake?Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA - 57 minutes agoThe other two types account for 90 percent of genital warts, which affect both men and women. Sometime this year, Merck will submit data to the FDA seeking …

Original post by FDA "genital warts" - Google News

See original at Vaccinating boys for girls' sake? - Santa Rosa Press Democrat

A New Reason to Frown - Newsweek

2008-04-16T08:31:00.004-07:00

A New Reason to FrownNewsweek - 7 hours agoLast month Allergan revealed that federal prosecutors were investigating it for promoting the non-FDA-approved use of Botox for headaches, though doctors …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at A New Reason to Frown - Newsweek

Stem Cells Show Off - Motley Fool

2008-04-16T08:31:00.003-07:00

Stem Cells Show OffMotley Fool - 2 hours agoFor instance, the FDA will tolerate much more severe side effects for drugs treating a life-threatening cancer than drugs treating headaches. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Stem Cells Show Off - Motley Fool

Treximet(TM) (Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium) Tablets Approved by ? - CNNMoney.com (press release)

2008-04-16T08:31:00.002-07:00

Treximet(TM) (Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium) Tablets Approved by …CNNMoney.com (press release) - 54 minutes agoMigraine headaches continue to be a significant problem for the estimated 29.5 million Americans, nearly half of which are undiagnosed. …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at Treximet(TM) (Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium) Tablets Approved by ? - CNNMoney.com (press release)

Column: STDs: Protecting yourself and others - SIU - Daily Egyptian

2008-04-16T08:31:00.001-07:00

Column: STDs: Protecting yourself and othersSIU - Daily Egyptian, IL - 3 hours agoCondom use may also reduce the risk for transmission of herpes and HPV-associated diseases ( genital warts and cervical cancer), although research is more …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Column: STDs: Protecting yourself and others - SIU - Daily Egyptian

Local insurance companies asked to subsidise cervical cancer vaccine - Jamaica Observer

2008-04-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Local insurance companies asked to subsidise cervical cancer vaccineJamaica Observer, Jamaica - 1 hour agoThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he added, has fast-tracked the study so that a majority of the review will be completed within six months. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Local insurance companies asked to subsidise cervical cancer vaccine - Jamaica Observer

Internet vs. Sales Reps: Which Do Docs Prefer?

2008-04-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Verispan’s 2007 ePromotion Annual Study estimates that “ten percent of doctors opted for electronic detailing instead of in-person sales calls with pharmaceutical reps,” according to PharmaExec.com.

PharmExec.com published some other “hard to ignore” numbers from this study:

47 percent of doctors feel that e-promotion is the same as face-to-face detailing
21 percent feel that feel that e-detailing is superior to live detailing
50 percent said that they would be somewhat likely to prescribe a drug they learned about through e-detail
44 percent expect to boost their e-promotion involvement in the coming year

Merck Leads the Way
The Verispan audit singles out Merck, whose spending on ePromotion activities has more than quadrupled over the last 3 years, reaching almost $83 million in 2007. In fact, Merck currently leads the industry in ePromotion investment, accounting for over 20% of industry spending for this promotional method. It appears that Merck is walking the walk as well as talking the talk when it comes to using technology to improve marketing and sales ROI (see “Merck Rejiggers Its Marketing Mix: Will Other Pharma Companies Follow?“).

Verispan defines ePromotion as video details, online events and virtual details. It’s all about product information. But what about other information of interest or value to physicians that is not all about the brand?

TNS Healthcare is interested in what drives physicians to be loyal to a drug brand (see, for example, “Reinventing the Sales Model“). They have found, for example, that US primary care physicians value physician education and information services provided by pharmaceutical companies as much as the quality of sales reps’ visits (66% vs. 68% of physicians surveyed value the former vs. the latter, respectively).

Internet vs. Sales Reps
But how valuable is the Internet as a source of this information vs. sales reps? TNS surveyed physicians in 6 countries (US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy) to find the answer to this and other questions.

The survey showed a wide variation in the value that primary care physicians place on the Internet vs. pharma sales reps as a source of education and information services (see chart, click for an enlarged view).

In the US, Internet services, while not as popular among physicians as other aspects of the relationship, did show a move to be valued by more physicians in 2008 vs. 2007 (42% vs. 37%, respectively).

“Given the amount of attention and spending devoted to Internet services generally, it is surprising that the Internet does not represent an area of greater physician demand,” said Jonathan Kay, President, Portfolio, TNS Healthcare. He made his comments during a recent webinar.

You can learn more about the TNS physician survey and what it means for developing a more customer-centric sales and marketing strategy in the upcoming April, 2008 issue of Pharma Marketing News. Subscribe today and get it free!

Meanwhile, see a summary of the 2007 TNS US survey here.

See original at Internet vs. Sales Reps: Which Do Docs Prefer?

Energy Drinks cause concern for school officials - MLive.com

2008-04-13T08:42:00.005-07:00

Energy Drinks cause concern for school officialsMLive.com, MI - Apr 10, 2008"I have to drink a lot of water when I drink them or I get headaches," says Zygner. Giordano says another concern with energy drinks is that some of the …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Energy Drinks cause concern for school officials - MLive.com

Federal Authorities Seize More Than $100000 of Unapproved Drugs ? - Kansas City infoZine

2008-04-13T08:42:00.004-07:00

Federal Authorities Seize More Than $100000 of Unapproved Drugs …Kansas City infoZine, MO - Apr 10, 2008FDA recommends that consumers talk to their health care provider about FDA-approved treatments for erectile dysfunction. FDA may take further regulatory …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Federal Authorities Seize More Than $100000 of Unapproved Drugs ? - Kansas City infoZine

FDA seizes sexual enhancement products - PhysOrg.com

2008-04-13T08:42:00.003-07:00

FDA seizes sexual enhancement productsPhysOrg.com, VA - Apr 10, 2008Although labeled as natural supplements, the seized products were all marketed to treat erectile dysfunction and impotency, as well as to provide sexual …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at FDA seizes sexual enhancement products - PhysOrg.com

Summer safety for your children - The New Nation

2008-04-13T08:42:00.002-07:00

Summer safety for your childrenThe New Nation, Bangladesh - Apr 10, 2008The FDA regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and is working on a proposed rule that will specify testing procedures for determining levels …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Summer safety for your children - The New Nation

‘Eww’ factor aside, anal HPV infection is a risk - MSNBC

2008-04-13T08:42:00.001-07:00

'Eww' factor aside, anal HPV infection is a riskMSNBC - Apr 11, 2008HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women, but it can also cause penile cancer in men and genital warts and other cancers in both sexes. …

Original post by FDA "erectile dysfunction" - Google News

See original at 'Eww' factor aside, anal HPV infection is a risk - MSNBC

Florida Man Gets 210 Months For Phony Cancer Cures - North Country Gazette

2008-04-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Florida Man Gets 210 Months For Phony Cancer CuresNorth Country Gazette, NY - Apr 11, 2008… by falsely claiming, among other things, that the products were FDA approved drugs guaranteed to cure numerous forms of cancer and migraine headaches. …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Florida Man Gets 210 Months For Phony Cancer Cures - North Country Gazette

Creativity Outside of Pharma Marketing

2008-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Have you — like me — been spending way too much time at your job? Are you ignoring some of the other pleasures life has to offer?

This post is just a break from my routine to show off what I have been doing lately outside of my job — watercolor!

I’ve been taking a watercolor class every Wednesday night at a local community college since the fall and I have finally created something that I feel proud of (see image). I may even frame it and hang it!

Yes, I’m a frustrated artist! Maybe many pharmaceutical marketers out there — especially those working within creative ad agencies — are also frustrated artists seeking to do something truly “creative.”

If you’ve been reading this blog, you know I’ve often criticized the “creative” behind DTC advertising and the awards given to ads for their creativity versus their bottom line utility. It’s OK to be creative in your job, but DTC ads are not pieces of art!

So, I have one piece of advice to all you creative people out there working in DTC agencies: don’t put all your creative energy into your daytime jobs. Find another outlet for your creativity that has nothing to do with your work. At first, you might consider it a waste of time. But if you stick with it, you may just find that it’s relaxing to take a break and may even put your day job into a different perspective!

Who knows, it may even lead to more creative DTC advertising.

Just a thought for a Friday.

P.S. Speaking of creative agencies, if you are attending Med Ad News’ 19th Annual Manny Awards on Thursday, April 17, 2008 in NYC, I hope to see you there! My lovely wife and I will be attending (I’m a guest of Med Ad News, but I’m paying for my wife’s attendance). I’m looking forward to the “most creative agency” award. I will try and determine if anyone in the winning agency is a closet artist (watercolor, oil, whatever)!

See original at Creativity Outside of Pharma Marketing

My first lesson in technology asset management ends ten years after it began

2008-04-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Symbollon Pharmaceuticals Announces Results of IoGen Phase III Clinical Trial

Normally, I wouldn’t give a company so small in stature space in these pages, but this news release from tiny Symbollon (market cap pre-announcement circa $10M) stirred some memories for me. You see Iogen, an oral formulation of molecular iodine–Symbollon’s entire pipeline–was also the first drug I was asked to evaluate for possible in-licensing.

That was back in 1998, or maybe 1999. I remember feeling expertish.

At the time Symbollon was beginning its Phase 2 study of Iogen, but I believe they had some clinical data already in hand too.

I remember being relatively unimpressed with the efficacy potential but also thinking: “Why not license the thing? It’s probably safe, there’s a chance it works, it seems like it’ll be safe, and it certainly will be cheap.” Yeah…I was still pretty green then, not fully appreciating the substantial out-of-pocket and opportunity costs associated with any clinical-phase drug acquisition. Other people more wizened than me realized the true costs, and my employer, also unimpressed with the efficacy data gathered at the time, took a pass. As apprently did every other pharmaceutical company who saw the package.

From a glance at the Symbollon website, it looks like the company went it alone for a while and even initiated the pivotal study referenced above by themselves. Although it appears that they initiated the same study some six months later, after recruiting a license partner in Gardent Pharmaceuticals (nee Bioaccelerate Holdings). Start a study twice? Hey, why not? Give investors their money worth I say.

I have no idea what became of Gardent, but they bailed on Iogen in 2006, leaving Symbollon to go it alone to the bitter end. Symbollon had initially expected Phase 3 to wrap up in 12 months; it ended up taking nearly 40. A lack of timely funds and a skeletal management team will do that. Oh, and they blew through $20 million. Not much to big pharma, but the opportunity cost would have been several times more.

Pity poor Symbollon, with it’s tiny market cap barely registering a blip and it’s hopes all faded. My lesson finally complete.

See original at My first lesson in technology asset management ends ten years after it began

Millennium Announces VELCADE(R) (Bortezomib) for Injection First ? - PR Newswire (press release)

2008-04-10T00:29:00.004-07:00

Millennium Announces VELCADE(R) (Bortezomib) for Injection First …PR Newswire (press release), NY - 4 minutes ago"We expect to see further sales acceleration should the FDA approve VELCADE for, and after we begin to promote for use in patients with, newly diagnosed …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Millennium Announces VELCADE(R) (Bortezomib) for Injection First ? - PR Newswire (press release)

Sirtris Receives Orphan Status for SRT501 - FDA news (subscription)

2008-04-10T00:29:00.003-07:00

Sirtris Receives Orphan Status for SRT501FDA news (subscription), VA - 3 hours agoSymptoms include fatigue, recurrent headaches and seizures. Sirtris is conducting a Phase Ib trial evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of SRT501 …

Original post by FDA "pain relief" pharmaceutical - Google News

See original at Sirtris Receives Orphan Status for SRT501 - FDA news (subscription)