Novartis is launching a global media review, reported Advertising Age. The incumbent media shop is WPP’s MEC, the magazine said, noting that in 2008, the company shifted its media business from WPP’s Mindshare into MEC.
Novartis said in an email response: “We regularly evaluate suppliers, but have made no decision to change our media agency relationship at this time.” Ad Age cited “several industry executives” as saying the review was imminent and an RFP would go out shortly. GSK and Pfizer have reviewed their media planning and buying businesses recently, and with cost-cutting initiatives on at most major pharmas, they won’t be the last.