A report released last week by the The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (and covered yesterday on PharmExec.com), listed Pfizer’s smoking cessation drug Chantix as the number one most reported drug for adverse reactions in the first quarter of 2008.

The report states that FDA received 1,001 reports of serious side effects for varenicline (the generic form of Chantix). That’s significantly more adverse events than heparin, which rang up only 779 reactions (and allegedly killed a few people).

Chantix gartered a ton of headlines during that same period. In January 2008, Pfizer pumped up the warnings on the drug to include suicidal thinking and depression. It is possible that the undo attention could have increased the rate of adverse reaction reporting. ISMP said that it made a point to weed out all the minor reports or possible fakes.

Initial calls to Pfizer weren’t returned, but the company’s PR team gave a ring this morning to let me know that a statement was on its way. Here’s what Pfizer spokesperson Sally Beatty had to say: (more…)

Click here to view a slideshow from Prix Galien 2008

The 2008 Prix Galien USA is in the books, and Pharm Exec was in attendance at New York’s Museum of Natural History to take in all the festivities. Pfizer, Merck, Alexion, Wyeth, and Celgene were all recognized for their work in advancing science in both the biotech and pharma industries. Charlie Rose played master of ceremonies to a packed house featuring a who’s who of the science elite and a handful of Nobel Laureates. (more…)

When 5,742 physicians opt in voting for their favorite medical journal ads over utilizing spare time that never comes, you know it’s a big deal. And yesterday at The Doctor’s Choice awards luncheon sponsored by the Association of Medical Media (AMM), their input was not only showcased on a most refined level but also indicative of what they want pharma marketing to deliver.

It became quite clear to me early in the ceremony that physicians weren’t selecting ads based on how fun and fancy they were, but rather on how they delivered a message straight and to the point. William Castagnoli, director of The Doctor’s Choice awards, echoed my thoughts. (more…)

The UBS meeting’s annual Global Life Sciences Conference this week in Manhattan confronted a unique nexus of Wall Street’s manic behaviors resulting from the nation’s financial crisis and the heavy presence of security on the streets and at the conference hotel as the Sept. 22-25 meeting coincides with nearby UN sessions. These events heightened the pre-existing concerns among health care investors and company executives about the closed IPO window, lack of VC funding for start ups and emerging companies and credit crunch. There was a “Black Monday” mood of resignation and humor heard among the attendees as they shared their reactions to the unfolding Wall Street and governmental drama that seemed impossible not long ago. (more…)

The Wall Street Journal posted the full video of the new Lipitor television spot. It’s very similar to the old Dr. Jarvik ads, but without the celebrity spokesperson. Pharm Exec will have more on the campaign relaunch in Wednesday’s newsletter.