Here's a managed care ranking that came out yesterday:
Novartis Again Tops Managed Care's List of Best Drug Companies
NEWTOWN, Pa.--(BW HealthWire)--Jan. 26, 1998--
Managed care executives' list of pharmaceutical companies that
best meet their overall needs:
1.Novartis
2.SmithKline Beecham
3.Hoechst Marion Roussel
4.Merck
5.Zeneca
6.Bristol-Myers Squibb
7.Warner-Lambert
8.(Tie) Pfizer and TAP
10.Astra Merck
SOURCE: Scott-Levin, Fall 1997 Managed Care Pharmacy Executive
Promotional Audit.
Once again, Novartis topped the list of pharmaceutical companies
that best meet the overall needs of the managed care industry
according to Scott-Levin's Fall 1997 Managed Care Pharmacy Executive
Promotional Audit.
Novartis' net score (best mentions minus least mentions) was 26%
higher than in spring 1997, when it also finished first in this
category. Even more revealing, Novartis' fall 1997 net score was 56%
higher than that of second-place SmithKline Beecham.
Pfizer's Big Leap
Pfizer made a huge impression on managed care pharmacy executives
in fall 1997. The company moved from 49th to eighth place overall. In
fact, Pfizer improved in all assessment areas except contracting.
One pharmacy executive notes Pfizer's "change in attitude toward
managed care." Another feels that "Pfizer is sponsoring programs and
is willing to support our ideas much better than three years ago."
Attitude Counts
TAP also was busy in managed care circles and improved its
overall assessment standing from 22nd in spring 1997 to eighth in the
fall 1997 audit. Panelists say TAP exhibits a "strong desire to work
with the managed care industry" and is "always trying to improve their
services."
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer rebounded from its dreadful 46th-place
overall ranking in spring 1997 to 17th in the fall. RPR increased its
visits to managed care organizations by 27% in the most recent audit
cycle. Panelists note that RPR account personnel seem to be trying "to
work with the plan" and are "attempting to understand managed care."
Merck proved the spring audit cycle's favorable ratings were no
fluke -- the company moved from sixth overall to fourth place.
Pharmacy executives say Merck is "now [finally] partnering with the
managed care industry" and "has been willing to accommodate unusual
demands."
Schering, however, has little to celebrate. The company has
traditionally been ranked in the top 10 overall by managed care.
However, negative feelings about Claritin's marketing strategy and the
brand's direct-to-consumer advertising campaign contributed to
Schering's fall to 24th this audit cycle; in spring 1997, Schering
placed fourth. Also contacts recorded for Schering reps fell 41% in
the fall 1997 audit, compared with an industry drop of 18%.
One panelist thinks Schering's "direct-to-consumer product
advertising is anti-managed care." Another notes the company's
"direct-to-consumer campaign is too aggressive and causes over
utilization; Schering needs to back off." Regarding Claritin, one
panelist said: "Still charging premium price for Claritin; will be
hurt later."
About This Audit
Scott-Levin's Managed Care Pharmacy Executive Promotional Audit
is based on the responses of pharmacy executives who represent 82% of
American lives covered by HMOs. These influential executives reported
promotional activity from pharmaceutical firms over an eight-week
period in fall 1997. They also rated pharmaceutical companies on their
ability to meet managed care's needs in four areas: contracts,
value-added services, knowledgeable sales reps and overall.
For more information on this study, contact Robert Houghton or
Betty Sanna at 215/860-0440; fax: 215/860-5477; or e-mail:
marketing@scottlevin.com.
About Scott-Levin
Scott-Levin offers the pharmaceutical industry a full complement
of managed care services that monitor key areas such as product
promotion, industry trends, retail pharmacy activity and market
performance. The company, a division of PMSI/Scott-Levin, provides
information used by more than 80 U.S. and international pharmaceutical
clients.
Visit Scott-Levin on the World Wide Web at
scottlevin.com.
CONTACT:
Scott-Levin, Newtown
Rob Houghton or Betty Sanna, 215/860-0440
fax: 215/860-5477
E-mail: marketing@scottlevin.com
KEYWORD: PENNSYLVANIA
BW0337 JAN 26,1998 |
