Provenge and the DTC Dilemma ?Small market drugs can use DTC given high revenue per patient.? -Bob Ehrlich Provenge from Dendreon treats advanced prostate cancer and can prolong life. It is an expensive drug, costing around $90,000 for the three infusions. The clinical studies showed a significant survival increase versus men not treated. The results […]
By Bob Ehrlich
March 1, 2013
The Rise of Self-Screening
The Rise of Self-Screening ?We can use technology to greatly increase disease awareness..? -Bob Ehrlich An announcement that Walmart is testing health kiosks is getting a lot of attention. These kiosks, from Solo Health, will give consumers a chance to self-test eyesight, weigh themselves, take blood pressure, and enter health practices into a computer. We […]
By Bob Ehrlich
February 22, 2013
Study Critical of ED Advertisers
Study Critical of ED Advertisers ?This study…does not… fairly portray the ethics of drug makers.? -Bob Ehrlich A study on erectile dysfunction advertising was highly critical of drug makers. The study was published in the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law on 2/15/13. The authors are university professors Dennis Arnold and James Oakley from […]
By Bob Ehrlich
February 8, 2013
Electronic Medical Records and DTC
Electronic Medical Records and DTC ?…It is a potential advertising goldmine.? -Bob Ehrlich More physicians are going digital to keep their patient records. According to the CDC, 55% of offices used electronic records (EMR) in 2011. This number will grow rapidly as more subsidized software is made available. Obviously the government would like to see […]
By Bob Ehrlich
February 1, 2013
Less Care, Better Care?
Less Care, Better Care? ?We need to consider…watchful waiting.? -Bob Ehrlich We live in a wonderful country. I am proud to live here. Some say we have the best healthcare in the world. I hear that a lot when debates on Obamacare air on talk shows. After all, if you have insurance you can get […]
By Bob Ehrlich
January 18, 2013
JAMA Publishes Physician Influence Study
JAMA Publishes Physician Influence Study ?Critics usually blame DTC for these patient requests.? -Bob Ehrlich A study conducted by The Morgan Institute for Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital has some potentially controversial results for brand marketers. The study was done via the web with 1891 responding doctors. The study was designed to measure how […]
By Bob Ehrlich
January 11, 2013
FDA Studies Corrective Ads
FDA Studies Corrective Ads ?Corrective ads are a serious issue for drug companies.? -Bob Ehrlich The FDA will be doing a study on the effect of corrective advertising on consumer perception of brands. The FDA rarely uses the penalty but has it in its power to force drug companies to runs ads telling consumers that […]
By Bob Ehrlich
January 4, 2013
The Health Care Bubble?
The Health Care Bubble? ?Mr. Ponzi would be proud of our scheme.? -Bob Ehrlich The fiscal cliff debate brought up some critical issues that are much more important than the tax rate argument. We cannot afford the spending path we are on. It is that simple. Someone will get less in the future. For Medicare, […]
By Bob Ehrlich
December 7, 2012
Sales of New Obesity Drug a Bit Skinny
Sales of New Obesity Drug a Bit Skinny ?I recommend Vivus start work on DTC sooner than later.? -Bob Ehrlich Vivus, maker of weight loss drug Qsymia, has take a big hit on its stock price based on early sales results. Analysts expected a lot more success. Vivus says it is making good headway and […]
By Bob Ehrlich
November 30, 2012
The Long Television Ad
The Long Television Ad ?I have to wonder?if a two minute drug ad is just too long…? -Bob Ehrlich I saw a Xarelto commercial on CNN recently. It was the first time I had seen it and I assume the campaign just started for the blood-thinning drug made by Jannsen. The length was two minutes. […]
