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Biotech / Medical : Biotech Valuation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Biomaven who wrote (14113)	11/15/2004 9:41:43 AM
From: NeuroInvestment	Respond to of 52153

"Dodgeball." OK, maybe I am excessively cynical, but if one were choosing a name for a training program for accurately answering physician questions, it seems to me that one could have come up with something better. Had they only asked me, I would have suggested "Buzkashi", the national equestrian game of Afghanistan. Now this game conveys the true spirit of pharmaceutical marketing: (from Afghan-web)<<In Buzkashi, a headless carcass is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by the players of two opposing teams. The object of the game, is to get control of the carcass and bring it to the scoring area. Although it seems like a simple task, it is not. Only the most masterful players, (called chapandaz) ever even get close to the carcass. The competition is fierce, and the winner of a match receives prizes that have been donated by a sponsor. These prizes range from money, to fine turbans and clothes. In order for someone to become a chapandaz, one must undergo a tremendous amount of difficult training. In fact, the best chapandaz, are usually over the age of forty. Buzkashi, is definitely not a game for the weak.>> Finally, a sport where my age doesn't have to be an obstacle--though I've had trouble finding anyone to practice with, and those PETA demonstrators have no appreciation for the history behind the sport. But seriously: If you believe that wordchoice consciously or unconsciously expresses intent--"Dodgeball" speaks for itself. That defense looks very weak. Harry NeuroInvestment

To: Biomaven who wrote (14113)	11/15/2004 9:48:02 AM
From: bio_kruncher	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 52153

I had a chance to view a webinar last week on the VIOXX issue where an FDA person presented. They pointed out that the COX-2's were priority review drugs because of the GI safety issue. Sandy K. stated that at the time of review/approval there were 10,000 annual deaths attributed to NSAID related GI perforation and bleeding. They showed information about what and when they knew and what actions were occurring(planning new studies adjusting ongoing studies). On the whole I'd say they seemed to have done the right things. Only exception I'd say is that there was too long a period of 'discussion' about label changes (adding CV risk) after VIGOR trial. bk

To: Biomaven who wrote (14113)	11/15/2004 2:51:26 PM
From: Doc Bones	Respond to of 52153

Kenneth Frazier, Merck's general counsel, said Friday "Dodgeball" was the name of a sales-training game that encouraged sales representatives to know the answers using language approved by the Food and Drug Administration. I took this to mean that the sales reps tried to answer questions in a positive, sales-enhancing way, while dodging trouble with the FDA. This could take some artful dodging, but presumably would stay within ethical / legal bounds. That would be Merck's side of the story, anyway. Doc