A state law banning commercial use of prescription audit data is meant to protect physicians' privacy. But its effects on industry could be potentially damaging, as Warren Ross discovers

MM&M's 40th anniversary called to mind that one of my first articles for the magazine--not quite 40 years ago but close--was about the emergence of accredited CME and how it not only provided a new communications channel for the industry but was making a major contribution to better patient care.

Jack Barrette of Yahoo! wrote in a letter to the editor (MM&M, May 2006): "We live in a world of consumers deeply engaged in their health."

Head-to-head trials are becoming the gold standard in clinical testing. But while a good contest can win a brand formulary freedom and promotional bragging, marketers might find themselves up against more than their rival's efficacy. Warren Ross is ring-side

In my agency days, I always wanted to see firsthand how well the sales aids we created worked in the field.

As the Food and Drug Administration prepares to celebrate its centenary, six former senior FDA-ers talk to Warren Ross about the agency's mission going forward, its leadership, drug safety, Plan B and the Critical Path initiative