To the Point
Mixed signals
By Christiane Truelove

Better CME at a price
Many continuing medical education providers are turning to qualityimprovement and performanceimprovement CME to increase value and eliminate bias, but such activities come at great expense.
By Steven Niles

Up to code
Publishers and merchandisers are delivering educational tools to help pharmaceutical marketers become compliant with PhRMA’s code on interactions with healthcare providers.
By Steven Niles

Sales & Marketing
With worldwide industrialized economies roiling, market analysts expect pharmaceutical sales growth in 2009 to come elsewhere – from emerging and developing nations.
By Joshua Slatko

Pharma Business
In Merck & Co.’s continuing efforts to reduce cost structure, increase efficiency, and enhance competitiveness, management plans to eliminate about 7,200 positions – 6,800 active employees and 400 vacancies – across all areas of the company worldwide by the end of 2011. About 40% of the total reductions will occur in the United States.
By Steven Niles

People on the Move
A leadership transition at Johnson & Johnson has led to new chairman appointments within the pharmaceuticals and surgical care groups.
By Gina-Louise Monari

Adwise
A full-service, healthcare communications agency called Reagent has been formed to focus on medical specialists.
By Gina-Louise Monari

e-marketing
Already gaining prominence as an online meeting place for doctors, Sermo is now moving into continuing medical education and tying educational opportunities to community discussion topics.
By Joshua Slatko

FDA Files
FDA staff will be taking up permanent residence in China, India, Europe, and Latin America before the end of the year.
By Steven Niles

Drug Approvals
FDA has approved an efficacy supplemental biologics license application for Ontak solution for intravenous injection.
By Gina-Louise Monari
 

Prescription predictions get an upgrade
LaunchAdvantage is designed to accurately predict new drug potential and adoption. 

Skura completes divestment deal with IMS
Skura will sell a portion of its professional services organization to IMS Health.

Tough economy means tough staffing decisions for agencies
For agencies, staff cuts may not be the best cost-containment tactic.

Healthcare agency roundtable responses
Get the full text from our panel of healthcare communications agency executives.