"Ethical Pharma Marketing" | Arthritis Information

From Pharma Marketing Blog:
http://pharmamkting.blogspot.com/2009/02/ethical-pharma-marketing.html

From the blog on one of my favorite subjects:

"The pharmaceutical industry was once called the "ethical drug" industry. I am not sure, but that phrase may have come into being when drug companies (eg, Merck?) transitioned from selling "snake oil" patent medicine remedies to products that actually delivered on promised results.

The loop has somewhat closed when we are bombarded with drugs to treat "syndromes" that are ill-defined and sometimes ludicrous -- what I will now call "snake oil marketing" tactics using actors pretending to be patients suffering from these syndromes, etc.

Now, in the era of social media, there is the possibility of "snake oil marketers" greatly amplifying the effect of patient testimonials -- by recruiting people through social media. Perhaps the latest use of YouTube videos produced by consumers and submitted to drug company YouTube pages is an example of that.

I note that everything done this way is above board, but is it "ethical?" It is very difficult to determine what is and what is not ethical and maybe that is what we should focus on." I'd want clarification of what he considers "SYNDROMES"

[QUOTE=babs10]I'd want clarification of what he considers "SYNDROMES" done.. awaiting his approval to post the question....... [QUOTE=babs10]done.. awaiting his approval to post the question....... [/QUOTE]

Asked and answered. Check it out.
[QUOTE=Suzanne]
The loop has somewhat closed when we are bombarded with drugs to treat "syndromes" that are ill-defined and sometimes ludicrous -- what I will now call "snake oil marketing" tactics using actors pretending to be patients suffering from these syndromes, etc.
[/QUOTE]

He sites Restless Leg Syndrome, does he feel this is not a 'true' diagnosis and what is marketed is not a treatment? Bet the folks at the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation would be interested in this and I wonder what he feels RLS actually is and how it should be treated, if at all?

[QUOTE=Suzanne]From Pharma Marketing Blog:
Now, in the era of social media, there is the possibility of "snake oil marketers" greatly amplifying the effect of patient testimonials -- by recruiting people through social media. Perhaps the latest use of YouTube videos produced by consumers and submitted to drug company YouTube pages is an example of that.
[/QUOTE]

Idk if this is in reference to the YouTube video discussion yesterday or not? But just in case it is... I will answer it here, then go back and answer on that thread as well.

My point to Jan yesterday was: 1) She should WATCH both videos BEFORE commenting on them. 2) The videos did not hide their ties to Abbot, their sponsor, nor did they gloss over the side effects of the use of biologics. In fact, Dr. Michael Weisman, Director of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Proffesor of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine (whew!) said about biologics was "New biologic agents, although amazingly effective, may have unintentional consequences." 3) Don't make hit and run comments that allude to how gullible those of us who actually watched the video are.

edited to take out a misplaced quote

waddie2009-02-23 13:09:35 [QUOTE=waddie] [QUOTE=Suzanne]
The loop has somewhat closed when we are bombarded with drugs to treat "syndromes" that are ill-defined and sometimes ludicrous -- what I will now call "snake oil marketing" tactics using actors pretending to be patients suffering from these syndromes, etc.
[/QUOTE]

He sites Restless Leg Syndrome, does he feel this is not a 'true' diagnosis and what is marketed is not a treatment? Bet the folks at the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation would be interested in this and I wonder what he feels RLS actually is and how it should be treated, if at all?

[QUOTE=Suzanne]From Pharma Marketing Blog:
Now, in the era of social media, there is the possibility of "snake oil marketers" greatly amplifying the effect of patient testimonials -- by recruiting people through social media. Perhaps the latest use of YouTube videos produced by consumers and submitted to drug company YouTube pages is an example of that.
[/QUOTE]

Idk if this is in reference to the YouTube video discussion yesterday or not? But just in case it is... I will answer it here, then go back and answer on that thread as well.

My point to Jan yesterday was: 1) She should WATCH both videos BEFORE commenting on them. 2) The videos did not hide their ties to Abbot, their sponsor, nor did they gloss over the side effects of the use of biologics. In fact, Dr. Michael Weisman, Director of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Proffesor of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine (whew!) said about biologics was "New biologic agents, although amazingly effective, may have unintentional consequences." 3) Don't make hit and run comments that allude to how gullible those of us who actually watched the video are.

edited to take out a misplaced quote

[/QUOTE]

Part one - ask him, like Babs did. He seemed quick to respond, so he must keep a close eye on his blog.

Part two - not a reference. That video was not produced by a consumer as a testimonial.
Suzanne, thanks for your answers.

Part one- I did ask and it is being held pending his approval.

Part two- I am glad it was not a reference. I would much rather people say what they mean.

Thank-you Suzanne.
I watched BOTH videos that were posted in full. I found them very informative. I didn't feel like they were selling anything at all.