PharmedOUT Attacks Pharma Promotions, but Lacks Fair Balance

Pharmed OUT Attacks Pharma Promotions, but Lacks Fair Balance

 

PharmedOut (http://www.pharmedout.org/) is an independent, publicly funded project that "empowers physicians to identify and counter inappropriate pharmaceutical promotion practices.".  It covers everything from topics like "Psychological techniques reps use to sell drugs," to recommending that CME should go pharma free.  It also links out to YouTube! to showcase videos that cover topics like "The Art of Medical Writing" and "Zyprexa Rep Tells All".  

 

According to their Website, PharmedOut is funded through the Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber Education grant program.  This grant was created as part of a 2004 settlement between Warner-Lambert, a division of Pfizer, Inc., and the Attorneys General of 50 States and the District of Columbia, "to settle allegations that Warner-Lambert conducted an unlawful marketing campaign for the drug Neurontin® (gabapentin) that violated state consumer protection laws." 

 

On the surface, the site seems very credible by providing links to published papers relating to pharma promotional practices, drug reps, and the influence the industry has on prescribing habits.  Yet the more you read, the more you begin to feel like the authors are making light of this very serious issue (and accusations) by trying to be clever and funny.   For example, in the section titled "Teaching Tools" there are items like "Drug Ad Bingo: An exercise for physicians-in-training on how to recognize sales techniques in pharmaceutical ads" and "Bring Your Own Lunch (BYOL) PharmedOut Guide for the sandwich-challenged". 

 

Either way, it's an interesting resource that is worth looking at.  The ironic thing is that for a Website that is bent on (once again) casting an evil shroud over pharma's promotional practices, I wish it would invite or offer opposing viewpoints in order to provide "fair balance" to its claims.  Yes, we have all read the stories of how pharma companies and their reps have misled the public.  But that's not necessarily true about all pharma companies, nor all reps.  And I am not a rep and I don't work for a pharma company, but I have been a part of many many marketing-related meetings with my pharma clients, and I can assure you that there are many folks that are honest and responsible, and that are not motivated by greed; in fact, they are driven by an intense desire and passion to improve patients' lives.  Perhaps pharma should launch its own website inviting real people to submit real stories about how a product has helped them or their families; better yet, perhaps pharma employees should be allowed to submit stories that convey the dedication they have to what I consider to be quite a noble profession. 

 

I am not saying that PharmedOUT does not fill an unmet need or provide a much-needed public service; however, I have always found that when an organization takes an extreme perspective on anything (no matter how correct or validated that perspective might be), people tend to tune out.  If we really want to bring this issue into the light, I think it's important that a more fair-balanced, multiple viewpoint story is presented. 

 

Anyway, I would welcome your commments on this matter.

 

Sincerely,

 

Fabio Gratton

This is incredible... Big Pharma coaching now on YouTube!

Big Pharma coaching now on YouTube!

source: http://www.thediabetesblog.com/2007/08/22/big-pharma-coaching-now-on-youtube/

Posted Aug 22nd 2007 10:53PM by Allie Beatty

Ever wonder how Eli Lilly was able to get away with the Zyprexa scandal? A former member of the Lilly neuroscience team put it simply: statistics are like prisoners -- torture them long enough and they'll tell you what you want to hear. This YouTube video gives 6 jaw-dropping minutes of priceless pharmaceutical rep training on how to overcome sales resistance.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj0LZZzrcrs

Quite remarkable is the coaching Lilly provided their pharmaceutical reps in dismissing the feedback they were receiving from doctors. Lilly told reps to ask doctors (in no uncertain terms) do you want a thin psychotic patient or a healthy fat patient? I think the operative word here is healthy. Does Lilly believe that excessive weight gain, insatiable hunger and Type 2 diabetes are healthy?

In Type 2 diabetes - the blood sugar rises, and spills into the urine, because the body resists insulin and resists its transfer of glucose out of the blood and into the cells of the body. The most important organ in the body – the brain – is protected by this insulin resistance. This is a protective reaction to prevent too sudden a fall in blood glucose, which can cause the brain to swell up with water! If too much glucose suddenly leaves the bloodstream the other sugars in the brain (sorbitol and fructose which are relatively unaffected by insulin) cause water to flow into the brain to correct the osmotic imbalance -- so the brain runs the risk of sustaining injury = too much sugar + too much insulin causes too much water.

Those of us who know what it's like to correct a high sugar with insulin know what it's like to feel bloated as our sugar comes down too quickly. The body is designed to protect its brain by only slowly reducing glucose in the blood and for any excess glucose to be flushed out in the urine. This is a temporary fix for a temporary carbohydrate overload. My billion dollar question is this: Have Lilly pharmaceutical reps been trained to dismiss the side effects of GM insulin (genetically modified to overcome insulin resistance) since it was first introduced in 1983? I'm curious how Lilly justifies diabetic complications.

Tweens, Parents Have Similar Attitudes About Healthy Lifestyles

Tweens, Parents Have Similar Attitudes About Healthy Lifestyles

by Karlene Lukovitz, Friday, Aug 24, 2007 5:00 AM ET (Media Post // Marketing Dialy)

TWEENS AND PARENTS MAY DISAGREE about almost everything else, but they're not all that far apart when it comes to their thinking in regard to healthy lifestyle choices for kids, judging from the results of a new study done by BuzzBack Market Research for Disney Consumer Products. Tweens and parents seem to be, by and large, on the same page when it comes to the importance of nutrition and fitness to a healthy lifestyle--although the results also point to some struggles on both sides in terms of behavioral follow-through. The most significant difference in tween/parent attitudes appears to be that while relationships with family and friends are very important to tweens, they (unlike their parents) don't tend to identify these and other factors relating to mental and emotional well-being--such as relaxation and balance between work and play--as being important aspects of healthy living. In other words, kids are more literal, associating "health" only with bodily health. The study, conducted earlier this year, involved 157 children ages nine to 11 (recruited through their parents) and 154 parents of children between these ages. To examine the two groups' similarities and differences in perceptions about healthy lifestyles, BuzzBack used eCollage, a tool that helps tap subconscious attitudes by having participants select from a large group of images to create collages. Kids were asked to create personal collages that illustrate what kinds of things they think about when trying to be healthy; parents created collages illustrating what healthy living for their children means to them. Verbal follow-up questions were used to explore why specific images were chosen and what they signify about health to the individual. Both parents and tweens gravitated toward images connoting healthy food choices and physical activity, and kids showed clear awareness of what types of foods are healthy and which should be avoided, as well as how important physical activity and exercise are. However, in contrast to parents, very few kids included images relating to relationships. (About one in four parents indicated that mental/emotional health is a key component in a healthy lifestyle.) Asked to verbally express what's important to them, tweens' top priorities were happiness, relationships with family, good grades, relationships with friends and overall physical health. Parents' top priorities for their children were happiness, relationships with family, overall physical health, sufficient sleep and good grades. About 80% of the kids said they view their lifestyles as healthy, and that they are physically fit. More than 80% of parents said they are satisfied with their children's eating habits (mostly because they control food choices), and similar numbers said they are satisfied with their kids' fitness levels, physical activity and exercise habits. On the nutritional front, both parents and kids indicated conscious efforts to ensure that the kids have healthy diets. But not surprisingly, there are conflicts between thought and actions. Nearly all (94%) the parents said they strive to include healthy foods in children's meals, and more than half say they've added more fruits, vegetables and whole grains to their children's diets in the past year. The top healthy foods they want kids to eat are fruit, vegetables/salad, water, juice and milk, and the top foods they try to avoid for kids are those with high sugar and fat, and soda. Most kids claim they eat fruit and vegetables and limit junk foods, and report that their parents reinforce healthy eating (four out of 10 say their parents are "very strict" about healthy eating). On the other hand, about half of parents report that their kids crave sweets and are picky eaters. And when it comes to fast food, parents and tweens agree that kids should limit consumption, but it's unclear whether consumption patterns have actually changed. Most tweens do say that they're eating less than in the past at fast-food restaurants, and more than half of parents say kids are eating less fast food compared to a year ago. But three-quarters of tweens say they "love" eating at fast-food restaurants, and 15% say they eat fast food "all the time." And while it's not possible to say whether this percentage is down or up, 38% of parents named fast food as one of the foods/beverages most likely to be consumed at dinner. (Vegetables and soup/stew were named by 77% and 61%, respectively, and in another disconnect, non-diet soda came in fourth, named by 19%. Milk was fifth, at 16%.). Further, 21% of parents named fast food as among the top lunch staples. The others were juice in a box (cited by 41%), chips (36%), plain bottled water (25%) and fruit (23%). Interestingly, kids were far more likely than their parents to select an image of a McDonald's logo for their health collages, although their reasons for doing so were that they "love" the food and eating there, but at the same time know they should avoid fast food. Many kids also included an image of an ice cream sundae, and expressed the same love/avoid feelings toward ice cream. Kids also included the Kellogg's logo in their collages much more frequently than adults--in this case, because they associated it with healthy foods. Tweens picked the Pop-Tarts logo far more frequently, as well--simply stating that they "love" this product.

Google News Adds Syndicated Video

Google News results now include some video footage, according to a post on the Google News Blog. News outlets such as CBS, Reuters and some Hearst TV outlets will be contributing video content. Video results will be marked as such in the list of news headlines and will play through a YouTube video window. Google says it made the move to try and alleviate user frustration over the various software, browser and other stumbling blocks they had to overcome viewing video on each individual site.

Facebook Ad Targeting Could Be Revolutionary

Facebook Ad Targeting Could Be Revolutionary

by Gavin O'Malley, Friday, Aug 24, 2007 6:00 AM ET (Media Post publications)

IN SEARCH OF ITS SILVER bullet, Facebook is preparing a highly targeted ad system powered by the personal information provided by members of the trendy social network. The initiative, reported by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, could eventually justify a huge increase in online ad spending, some analysts said. Beginning this fall, the privately owned Facebook plans to implement complex algorithms that can predict members' receptivity to ads. Rather than banner advertising, the Journal reported, Facebook is exploring placing ads within news and content feeds on users' profile pages. Facebook did not return press inquiries regarding the system. Still without a robust monetization strategy, Facebook must clear several hurdles for this grand plan to work. Noted Forrester analyst Josh Bernoff said: "Unlike Google's automated AdSense product, Facebook's system will depend on a large sales force operating smoothly." There is also the issue, he added, of whether users will object to their behavior being tracked so closely. Still, if all goes according to plan, this could represent the most significant move in the world of online advertising since the advent of AdSense, according to Bernoff. "What began as a shift in traffic online resulted in a massive shift in dollars when people realized AdSense worked," he explained. "Two years from now, this might be seen as the beginning of a similarly huge shift in dollars online, if not bigger, because this has the potential to be a whole lot more relevant than AdSense." Thanks to its sheer popularity among young, college-educated consumers, Facebook is already profitable and will post a positive EBITDA this year, according to Jim Breyer, managing partner of Facebook investor Accel Partners. Breyer, a Facebook board member as well, recently told attendees of Fortune's iMeme conference that the social network would take in well over $100 million this year, according to press reports. Facebook has grown three times as fast as MySpace in the past year, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Seeing a massive influx of first-timers, Facebook U.S. visitor numbers reached 26.6 million in May--up a full 89% year-over-year and 3.6 million more than in April, according to comScore. Worldwide, comScore reported, Facebook reached 47.2 million visitors in May--8.4 million more than in April, and with an average of 20.6 visits per user. Last August, Facebook did a deal with Microsoft to place all banner ads and paid links on the site, following closely on the heels of a similar partnership struck between MySpace and Google.

IBM study shows Internet rivals TV for media consumption

IBM study shows Internet rivals TV for media consumption

A new study from IBM shows that global Internet usage is rivaling that of TV. Among surveyed consumers, 19% said they spend six hours or more every day using the Internet for personal reasons, compared to the only 9% who reported the same level of TV viewing. Also, 66% said they watch between one and four hours of TV per day, whereas 60% said the same about their Internet use. IBM surveyed more than 2,400 households in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia about their use and adoption of new media and devices. The study revealed country-specific, as well as global, trends. For example, nearly a third of users who watch mobile TV in the United Kingdom reduced their standard TV set viewing patterns as a result of new mobile device services. 

Re: Research: Women more likely than men to search Web for health info

What is Viral anyway? Does it really need to make sense or cents?
http://www.younggogetter.com/2007/08/22/anatomy-of-a-successful-viral-video/

Research: Women more likely than men to search Web for health info

Research: Women more likely than men to search Web for health info

Women's role as the family caretakers extends to searching online for health information, too. A review of several years' worth of Pew Internet & American Life Project surveys found that women were more likely than men to search for health information online or even at all, reports the Washington Post. This information is crucial to healthcare marketers who should market a wide range of products to women who may be the healthcare decision makers in a family. The research, which was presented over the weekend during the American Psychological Association conference, said that women were also more likely to join online support groups or search for medical information for someone else, such as a child or a parent. The researchers said that the findings are consistent with women's role as "gatekeepers" of information in families, says the Post.

Web TV site lets pharma reach docs with sponsored video and more

Web TV site lets pharma reach docs with sponsored video and more

The founder of Saatchi & Saatchi's medical education company BESTMED has launched a new Internet TV site called thedoctorschannel.com that provides pharmaceutical companies with sponsorships and opportunities to connect with physicians. The site, currently in beta, says it offers time savings and convenience for doctors by providing one- to two-minute streaming video clips featuring expert advice from opinion leaders and doctors. In addition to videos that are created by The Doctor's Channel editorial team, there is also the opportunity for pharmaceutical and other companies to provide sponsored content. When viewing certain pharma-sponsored videos, doctors can request additional information or samples from a sales representative with a click of the mouse, says the company. The site will eventually include content in 35 different specialties, as well as community and lifestyle tools and the opportunity to earn CME credit on the site.

The HealthCentral Network teams with breast cancer group for blog

The HealthCentral Network teams with breast cancer group for blog

The HealthCentral Network (THCN) and the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) are teaming to combine the NBCC's advocacy and education efforts with the online resources and breast cancer community on THCN. The first project will be a regular blog from the NBCC president. The NBCC aims to use THCN's breast cancer site, MyBreastCancerNetwork.com, to increase awareness of its efforts on behalf of breast cancer survivors, provide scientific analyses of breast cancer research, and find new participants for training programs.

MyBreastCancerNetwork.com currently features medical information and news, interactive tools, online access to health professionals, caregivers, and breast cancer survivors, and a library of video and animation resources.
 

BabyCenter.com relaunches with blog, other features

BabyCenter.com relaunches with blog, other features

BabyCenter, a Johnson & Johnson company, has relaunched its Web site, www.babycenter.com, with new features such as a blog and an engine that customizes the site and content based on the age or stage of parents' pregnancy or child. The blog, MOMFORMATION, will aim to provide information for moms and moms-to-be and will be followed by other media blogs dedicated to more specific topics. Other new features include a Q&A community destination; a custom-built search engine with results that feature videos, tips, and other resources, as well as articles; and a photo gallery area with visual how-tos such as how to give a baby massage. There's also an enhanced and expanded daily calendar, which is the site's most-popular feature, according to BabyCenter.

Check out my Slide Show!

Pharmas, pharmacists get behind anti-drug abuse campaign

Pharmas, pharmacists get behind anti-drug abuse campaign

Wyeth and King Pharmaceuticals are among the sponsors of the newly branded Time to Talk campaign from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. The campaign aims to get parents talking with their kids about staying away from drugs and leading healthy lives. Among the program's strategic partners is the American Pharmacists Association. All of the pharma involvement seems to be a product of the increased scrutiny regarding the abuse of prescription and OTC medicines. This month, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals launched Addiction411, a MySpace page dedicated to educating the younger generation about addiction to opiates, including prescription painkillers. The Time to Talk campaign is encouraging other corporations to become sponsors, according to its Website, www.TimetoTalk.org.

Bayer Web site promotes aspirin as eighth Wonder of the World

Bayer Web site promotes aspirin as eighth Wonder of the World

Bayer has started the Web site www.The8thWorldWonder.com after consumers voted that aspirin should carry that title. The site is cartoonish and playful, asking "What do the Roman Coliseum, the Taj Mahal, and Aspirin all have in common? They are all wonders of the world." It is also covered with Bayer branding. With the site, Bayer is commemorating the 110th anniversary of the discovery of aspirin. Site visitors can send free e-cards with reminders about the "importance of always keeping aspirin close," and each time, Bayer will donate a bottle of aspirin (up to 110,000 bottles) to one of three charities of the consumer's choice. The site includes Aspirin Fun Facts, such as "Bayer Aspirin landed on the moon in 1969" and "aspirin in water will help your cut flowers live longer."
www.The8thWorldWonder.com also links to the official Bayer Aspirin site.