RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - May 13, 2008) - Research by pharmaceutical
business intelligence firm Cutting Edge Information (CEI) finds that 88% of
pharmaceutical companies' medical science liaisons (MSL) groups report to
medical affairs. The report, "The Changing MSL Role: Proving Value through
Performance Measurement," examines MSL structures, investments and
strategies.
Broken down by company size, CEI data also shows that 100% of surveyed
large companies' MSL groups now report to medical affairs rather than to a
commercial function. These findings show a marked change from CEI's
previous study on MSLs in 2005. The past research found that only 50% of
large companies' groups reported to medical affairs, compared with 67% at
small companies and 60% at mid-sized companies. CEI defined large
companies as those ranked between 1 and 20, according to Pharmaceutical
Executive magazine; mid-sized companies were those ranked between 21 and
50; and small companies were ranked outside of the top 50.
Analysts found that small companies responded to the 2003 OIG guidelines
more quickly than larger companies; many small companies' MSL groups were
formed shortly after the guidelines were established.
"CEI's data reflects an industry-wide trend of pharma companies keeping
their marketing and medical functions separate," said Elio Evangelista,
lead author of the report. "The change in MSL reporting lines not only
helps maintain compliance, but it also helps reinforce the scientific
expertise of MSLs. Companies now depend on MSLs to add strategic value in
addition to supporting sales."
The report contains 203 pages and was developed from survey and interview
data for 30 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Its findings
enable companies to maximize their MSLs' value, scientific knowledge and
relationship-building skills.
This study covers these key aspects of MSL programs:
-- Structure, Budgets and Staffing
-- MSL Qualifications and Performance Measurement
-- Field Force Strategies and Communication
The report contains 500+ metrics, including the following:
-- MSL program structure by company size
-- Executive leadership by company by team size
-- Breakdowns of thought leader relationships by company size and
provider category
-- Ratio of MSLs to sales reps
Download a free report summary here:
http://cuttingedgeinfo.com/mslperformance/PH115_Download.asp#body
Report Website:
www.MSLPerformance.com
Contact Information: CONTACT INFORMATION:
Elio Evangelista
919-433-0214