Medscape Launches New iPad App
Medscape released a new design and enhanced features for its app for the iPad and iPad mini. They have implemented two key features: Medical Calculators, which allow users to access 129 medical calculators covering formulas, scales and classifications; and Formulary Information, which provides clinicians with a list of over 1,800 insurance plans across all 50 states, and allows them to access the drug’s tier status, compare tier status, and know which drugs are covered and least expensive for patients. The app can be downloaded for free on Apple iTunes.
Publicis Health Media Launches
Publicis Health Media (PHM) is a new business unit within Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG) that will address the ever-changing media landscape by helping pharma, health, and wellness clients to connect with their audiences with relevant, engaging experiences. This new model unites PHCG’s media and creative thinking while delivering time and cost efficiencies for clients. Matt McNally has been named President, PHM, and will lead the new business unit.
Strikeforce Communications Expands
Strikeforce, an independent healthcare marketing agency, kicks off 2013 with three new clients, a host of industry awards, and expanded expertise. Last year, Strikeforce added oncology, dialysis, dermatology, women’s health and GI to its list of therapeutic categories and won honors in four categories, in addition to being named a finalist for the title of “Healthcare Agency of the Year.” Mike Rutstein, Strikeforce’s Founder and CEO, and Patricia Prugno, StrikeForce’s Partner and Managing Director, credits its “precision pairing model”—designed to link the best talent to the specific needs of the client—for eliminating bureaucracy and fostering creativity to win clients.
Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Streamlines
With Vault PromoMats, Veeva Systems’ cloud-based content management application designed to meet pharma’s compliance and validation requirements, Auxilium will streamline their complicated paper-based copy approval process of their promotional and medical affairs content. Auxilium chose Vault for their intuitive interface, easy accessibility for both internal and external stakeholders, and low maintenance.
Vestiq Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Launches
Vestiq Pharma, an emerging specialty pharma company based in North Carolina acquired two New Drug Applications (NDAs) for BioAlliance’s Oravig (miconazole) 50mg buccal tablets indicated to treat oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in adults, and MonoSol Rx’s Zuplenz (ondansetron) oral soluble film for post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Vestiq has also partnered with SynopiaRx, who will administer managed care and third parties for the company, and with Vanguard Pharma to act as its contract sales organization.
New Biopharmaceutical Company Launches
AbbVie launched as an independent publicly traded biopharmaceutical company, with employees from more than 40 countries. Serving patients in more than 170 countries, AbbVie launches with a 125-year history of pharma development, a portfolio of more than 20 mid- to late-stage clinical programs, as well as new discoveries to address diseases including Hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other debilitating diseases, and an estimated $18 billion in annual revenues.
CSL Behring Launches Its First Co-Pay Assistance Program
Berinert Co-Pay BENefit is designed to cover patients’ out-of-pocket costs up to $12,000 in eligible expenses per year for Berinert, C1 Esterase Inhibitor prescriptions. Berinert is indicated for the treatment of acute laryngeal, facial and abdominal attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). In addition, CSL Behring provides information and assistance designed to help healthcare providers and HAE patients through their Benefit Expert Network (B.E.N.).
