http://www.pmdcentral.com Latest articles from PMD A third attempt by an AMA ethics council asking physicians and medical institutions to curb industry funding for professional educational activities was rebuffed yesterday. http://www.pmdcentral.com/Bid-to-restrict-industry-backed-CME-rebuffed-again/article/157524/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:18:11 GMT Pfizer will shrink the square footage of its global R&D operation by 35% as it absorbs Wyeth, sharply reducing some sites, shuttering others and prompting an as-yet unspecified number of layoffs. http://www.pmdcentral.com/Pfizer-shrinks-RD-operations/article/157434/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:44:54 GMT PhRMA called for FDA to develop an agency icon or bug that drugmakers could use on their websites to link to agency-approved product information and patient medical guides. http://www.pmdcentral.com/PhRMA-use-FDA-logo-for-link-to-PI-patient-info-online/article/157414/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:17:33 GMT EMD Serono extended its "In the Know" infertility awareness effort with a short film festival, inviting couples who've struggled with infertility to submit 5-8 minute videos about their experiences. http://www.pmdcentral.com/EMD-Serono-film-contest-flags-infertility/article/157387/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:26:30 GMT Marketing research giant IMS Health will be acquired by private equity firm TPG Capital and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, a Toronto-based investment management organization, for $5.2 billion. http://www.pmdcentral.com/IMS-Health-purchased-for-52-billion/article/157250/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:59:52 GMT Prescription drug advertisers are running longer broadcast spots to accommodate more expansive fair balance statements, a Nielsen IAG analysis suggests, as 75-second spots proliferate. http://www.pmdcentral.com/In-DTC-TV-longer-doesnt-have-to-mean-less-memorable-says-Nielsen/article/157161/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:14:21 GMT An alliance with the nation's largest soft drink maker to sponsor advice on sugar-free alternatives has spurred criticism of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). http://www.pmdcentral.com/AAFP-pact-with-Coke-distasteful-to-some/article/157141/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:26 GMT Six healthcare agencies will plug in their amps and battle it out for musical supremacy -- and for charity -- when Pharmapalooza 2, the industry's band contest, takes over the legendary B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 8pm. http://www.pmdcentral.com/Pharmapalooza-2-six-firms-rock-for-charity/article/157068/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:08:58 GMT Mulling celebrity spokes-candidates for an ad campaign? Consider this: business leaders are more persuasive than athletes, movie stars or musicians, according to a Harris Interactive poll conducted on behalf of Adweek. http://www.pmdcentral.com/CEOs-trump-movie-stars-among-celeb-endorsers-says-survey/article/157067/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:56:08 GMT Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline said online communication will play a key role in the upcoming launch of lupus drug Benlysta. The companies are considering various web channels, from advocacy groups to social media. http://www.pmdcentral.com/Lupus-drug-launch-focuses-on-social-media-advocacy-orgs/article/157065/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:31:26 GMT Ohr acquired OHR/AVR118 and EVIZON http://www.pmdcentral.com/Ohr-Pharmaceutical-CEO-Announces-Completion-of-Biotech-Transformation-With-Acquisition-of-Phase-II-Drugs/article/157478/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:31:37 GMT Bristol-Myers Squibb buys rights to RA drug for $85 million http://www.pmdcentral.com/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-and-Alder-Biopharmaceuticals-Enter-Global-Agreement-on-Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Biologic/article/157477/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:21:51 GMT sigma-tau to acquire business for approximately $327 million in cash plus royalties http://www.pmdcentral.com/Enzon-Announces-Agreement-to-Sell-Specialty-Pharmaceutical-Business/article/157366/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:11:48 GMT