Merck and GSK are both increasing the number of sales reps operating in China, according to separate presentations given by the two companies. In both cases, added reps in emerging markets are helping to offset significant reductions in US sales forces, company executives said.
After shrugging at a similar plea for a hearing in July of 2009, the Supreme Court has decided to weigh in on the legality of selling prescriber data – or information that details the prescribing habits of physicians – to drug marketers.
At work, Sermo docs prefer the Epocrates app, MM&M poll finds
Doctors responding to an MM&M survey hosted by Sermo – a social network for practicing physicians – said they use the Epocrates mobile app more often for work purposes than any other app.
GSK launches new Alli spots, hands five OTC brands to Meda
GlaxoSmithKline launched new commercials for Alli, in time for New Year’s resolutions and holiday overeating remorse, and handed off five OTC products to Meda Pharmaceuticals.
Former rep to argue First Amendment protection in court
A federal appeals court has agreed to hear oral arguments about whether the First Amendment protects a sales rep’s ability to share information about off-label uses of a drug.
Roche detailed its “operational excellence” cost-cutting program in a statement, confirming a total workforce reduction of 4,800 jobs, plus another 1,500 positions being either transferred or outsourced to third parties.
A federal appeals court reversed a district court ruling that limited the use of prescriber-identifiable data in Vermont, signaling a victory for plaintiffs IMS Health, SDI and Wolters Kluwer Health, and setting up a possible Supreme Court showdown.
Few patients look to pharma sites for health info: survey
Patients taking a medication and looking online for health information tend to avoid pharmaceutical company sites, according to an online survey conducted by Accenture.
King Pharma resubmits abuse-resistant oxycodone to FDA
Two years after receiving a Complete Response letter from FDA about Remoxy, King Pharmaceuticals and Pain Therapeutics announced that they had resubmitted the drug for approval yesterday. A thumbs up or thumbs down from FDA is expected in June.
Court hears arguments in drug rep’s free speech case
The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Caronia vs. US on December 2, a case that challenges a sales rep’s inability to speak about off-label uses of a drug, in this case, Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ Xyrem.