The latest from DTC Perspectives

The DTC Ad Fall Off

Friday, 14 November 2008, 08:14 AM

Ad Age ran a projection of DTC spending in 2008 using the first 8 months of TNS data. Writer Rich Thomaselli says 2008 may be down 9% based on the projection. That would put the DTC spending back to 2005 levels and under $5 billion. Ok I will not quibble with the Ad Age estimate. I think it will be slightly better because the networks and local media will be offering some incredible deals on ad rates. The numerous ad declines from auto, tech, travel, and retail will lead to some opportunistic spending by pharma. I'll call the year down 6-8%. read more

2009 DTC National Conference - Call for Speakers

Wednesday, 12 November 2008, 04:09 PM

DTC Perspectives is seeking presenters of new insights and/or innovations in consumer prescription drug marketing practices to participate at the 2009 DTC National Conference (April 15-17, in Washington, D.C.). To be considered for this unique presentation opportunity to an audience of DTC marketing leaders, please submit your proposal by close of business Friday, Nov. 21. read more

President Obama

Friday, 07 November 2008, 08:36 AM

Congratulations to Senator Obama. It is an exciting moment whenever we have a new administration, particularly in this time of fear and pessimism. For those of us who work in the drug industry “change” will be both good and bad. First, let's get to the good part. It is likely we will evolve to greater insurance coverage of our population in the next few years. That means more potential users of pharmaceutical products. We also can expect fewer people to go bankrupt because of illness. That is a good thing for society. read more

Health Care Bubble: The Sequel

Friday, 24 October 2008, 09:03 AM

I am considered a Pfizer retiree. I worked there for about three days after their takeover of Warner-Lambert in 2000. I am covered for health insurance by the Pfizer retiree plan. When I received the retiree newsletter last week I was rather shocked to see that insurance costs will rise dramatically starting in 2009. Apparently Pfizer and many other corporations have capped their contributions which reached a peak in 2008. So all retirees are going to carry the up charges from now on. read more

The New Realities 2009

Friday, 17 October 2008, 08:28 AM

As we approach an election with a seemingly forgone conclusion of an Obama victory, it is time to take stock of some new realities. Some are good for our industry, others may be bad. They are realities, however, and we all need to deal with them. read more

The Health Bubble

Friday, 10 October 2008, 07:41 AM

Dr. Bernadine Healy, health columnist for U.S. News and World Report, wrote a thought provoking column this week. It was titled, “Is Healthcare Armageddon Next? “ Dr Healy feels that with healthcare costs rising so fast, it is unsustainable. It is only a matter of time before the bubble bursts on a personal and government level. read more

EU's Pharmaceutical Forum to Relax Advertising Restrictions

Tuesday, 07 October 2008, 01:57 PM

After a three-year long process, the Pharmaceutical Forum in the European Union concluded last week with an important decision on patient information programs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Co-chairs Gunter Verheugen, vice president of the European Commission, and Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou both agreed that recommendations by the Forum will benefit patients, healthcare budgets and pharmaceutical innovations. read more

Main Street and DTC

Friday, 03 October 2008, 08:09 AM

It looks increasingly likely we will have a Democratic victory in November. That means Mr. Obama and an increased majority in Congress. The drug industry has donated to both candidates in fairly equal amounts indicating their lack of a clear preference and a hedge in their bets. The traditional Republican leaning of drug companies is absent this election because Mr. McCain has a record of criticizing the drug industry as greedy. read more

Sen. Kohl Asks Rep. Stupak to Combine Investigations of Rx, Medical Device DTC Ads

Monday, 29 September 2008, 11:34 AM

On Friday, Senator Herb Kohl, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging sent a letter to Congressman Bart Stupak, chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, asking him to combine investigative efforts regarding direct to consumer advertisements for prescription drugs with medical device DTC ads. read more

Sick Economy, Sick Healthcare

Friday, 26 September 2008, 08:36 AM

The Wall Street Journal did a front-page story Monday on cutbacks in consumer health spending. The number of prescriptions filled fell 2% in the second quarter, along with a 1% decline in physician visits. The Journal cited a survey that indicated economic concerns are leading 22% of consumers to say they will visit doctors less often. The same survey said 11% said they will use less Rx drugs read more

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