Monthly Archives: October 2008

Access Programs and Financial Benefit

By Joanna Breitstein | Published: October 23, 2008
I’ve always been interested in pre-approval access because it is at the cutting-edge of bringing science and patients together – and it really is about helping those in need. But research presented today in Baltimore, at CBI’s conference on Pre-Approval Access (sponsored by IDIS), shows that there is a financial return for providing these programs [...]
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Merck to Axe 7,200 Positions

By George Koroneos | Published: October 22, 2008
Not much in the way of good news at Merck this morning. The pharma giant announced that it is revising its financial guidelines through 2010, and eliminating 7,200 positions by 2011. The move is expected to save the company $3.8 billion to $4.2 billion through 2013. The layoffs will be staggered throughout different parts of the [...]
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Now in Video, the Prix Galien Winners

By Patrick Clinton | Published: October 16, 2008
At the Prix Galien awards ceremony last month, I had the opportunity to interview the winners on camera. We’ve just posted edited versions of the interviews here. Inspiring stories, remarkable people (and some great-looking tuxes). Enjoy.
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Coming Soon: Cancer Wars

By Patrick Clinton | Published: October 15, 2008
What if the industry develops highly effective cancer treatments and no one pays for them? BusinessWeek takes on the question in a reasonably savvy brief article this week. A sample: “At some point—and that point will come sooner rather than later—payers are not going to approve spending $100,000 for someone to live an extra six months,” [...]
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The Triple P

By Brittany Agro | Published: October 14, 2008
Pharma snagged five out of 30 spots designated for the marketing elite on Ad Age’s Power Players 2008 list. Each individual represents a company that is making milestones in terms of signature accomplishments and advertising spending. Let’s take a closer look: #5 Brian Perkins, vice president, corporate affairs Johnson & Johnson Ad Budget: $2.41 billion Key attributes: company’s sponsorship [...]
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