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Potential Thought Leaders Hesitant in Light of States' New Reporting Laws
| Source: Cutting Edge Information
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - March 17, 2008) - According to a recently
published study by Cutting Edge Information
(http://www.PharmaOpinionLeaders.com), states' new laws are affecting
pharmaceutical companies' ability to attract top thought leaders. The
report, "Pharmaceutical Opinion Leader Management: Cultivating Today's
Influential Physicians for Tomorrow," examines how pharmaceutical companies
are structuring and managing their thought leader departments to better
respond to current and future challenges.
More than two dozen states have recently enacted reporting laws that
require pharmaceutical companies to report their thought leader activities,
including all physician compensation. These laws are supposed to limit
kickbacks and other unethical reimbursements. However, the laws are also
limiting the number of physicians willing to work with pharmaceutical
companies. Most of these thought leaders are leery of their incomes
becoming public. They see this as a violation of what should be private
information.
With physicians hesitating, it is all the more important for thought leader
management departments to focus on maintaining current thought leader
relationships. Doing so can decrease the turnover rate of thought leader
relationships dramatically; negating the need to scout for new thought
leaders. In addition, satisfied thought leaders are more likely to
recommend the company to their peers -- peers who may not be currently
aligned with a pharmaceutical company or who may be dissatisfied with their
current relationship.
Thought leaders are influential in their specific spheres. Forward-looking
pharmaceutical companies cannot afford to lose the respect of these
physicians. If they do, the damage may be irreparable.
"Pharmaceutical Opinion Leader Management: Cultivating Today's Influential
Physicians for Tomorrow" is a study of 41 pharmaceutical, biotechnology and
medical device companies' thought leader management structures, resources,
processes and activities. The report includes detailed segmentation and
funding data collected from top companies, such as Pfizer, Bristol-Myers
Squibb, Schering-Plough and Novartis.
Download a free summary of "Pharmaceutical Opinion Leader Management:
Cultivating Today's Influential Physicians for Tomorrow" or purchase the
report at:
http://www.cuttingedgeinfo.com/pharmaopinionleaders/index.htm#body