Boehringer Ingelheims DTC campaign for Mirapex broke last week, days after scientists reported a genetic basis for restless leg syndrome, helping legitimize the disorder.

The House has approved legislation that would reauthorize PDUFA and strengthen the FDAs hand, allowing it to require post-market drug safety studies and fine companies as much as $250,000 for airing false and misleading ads.

PhRMA’s Office of Accountability released its second survey of comments received by companies regarding DTC ads, which showed concern among consumers and physicians about the clarity and creative choices of some ads.

A solid majority of doctors - 64% - say there should be some sort of moratorium on DTC advertising, according to a survey by TNS Healthcare.

GlaxoSmithKline was the nations seventh-largest consumer advertiser in 2006, according to TNS Media Intelligences Stradegy as reported in Advertising Age.

Pfizers ability to reach what may be an untapped population of people suffering from fibromyalgia got a boost last week when Lyrica became the first FDA-approved therapy for the condition.

Results of a survey conducted last week showed that patients preferred online video over podcasts in AstraZenecas Living with Heartburn promotional efforts featured on About.com.

The once-fearsome PDUFA legislation moving through the House of Representatives now closely tracks its toned-down counterpart in the Senate.

Rozerem sales were up 78% in the first quarter, and Takeda expects 2007 sales of the insomnia drug to surpass advertising costs.

The internet hasn’t replaced traditional direct marketing, but its unique abilities have made it an essential part of the pharma marketing mix. Stephen McGuire finds out what Web-shy brand directors are missing