Pharmaceutical Marketing 101

Pharmaceutical marketing, also known as pharma marketing or prescription drug marketing, refers to the efforts of pharmaceutical companies to promote the sale of their products to doctors, other healthcare providers, and patients. This includes a wide range of activities, such as advertising, sales, and distribution of samples to healthcare providers and providing information about the uses and benefits of the drugs to both healthcare providers and patients.

The pharmaceutical industry is a vital and highly regulated sector, as its products can significantly impact people’s health and well-being. As such, the marketing of pharmaceutical products is subject to strict regulations designed to ensure that the information provided to healthcare providers and patients is accurate and unbiased, and that the promotion of drugs is not misleading.

One of the main goals of pharmaceutical marketing is to increase the sales of a particular drug or group of drugs. This can be achieved through various means, including direct-to-consumer advertising, which aims to increase patient demand for a particular drug, and detailing, which refers to sales representatives visiting healthcare providers to provide information about a drug and its benefits.

Another important aspect of pharmaceutical marketing is market research, which involves gathering and analyzing data about the target market for a particular drug, including the needs and preferences of healthcare providers and patients. This information can help pharmaceutical companies tailor their marketing efforts and better understand how their products fit into the larger healthcare landscape.

In addition to traditional marketing efforts, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly using digital marketing techniques to reach and engage healthcare providers and patients. This includes using social media, email marketing, and other online platforms to provide information about drugs and their uses and to facilitate the distribution of samples and other promotional materials.

Despite the many benefits of pharmaceutical marketing, it has also been controversial and criticized. Some have argued that pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over patient well-being and that the marketing of prescription drugs can contribute to the overuse and misuse of these products. Regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have implemented strict guidelines to ensure that pharmaceutical marketing is accurate and ethical.

Overall, pharmaceutical marketing plays a crucial role in promoting and distributing prescription drugs. It helps ensure that healthcare providers and patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their treatment options. However, it is important that these efforts are conducted ethically and transparently and that the interests of patients are always placed first.

The Economics of Pharmaceutical Marketing

In the United States, pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars yearly on marketing and advertising. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, pharmaceutical companies spent a total of $29.9 billion on marketing to physicians in the United States in 2016. This includes various activities, such as detailing (sales reps visiting healthcare providers to provide information about a drug), advertising in medical journals, and sponsoring continuing medical education (CME) programs.

In addition to marketing to healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies also spend significant amounts on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, which aims to increase patient demand for a particular drug. In 2018, pharmaceutical companies’ total spending on DTC advertising was $6.3 billion, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This represents a significant increase from 1997 when pharmaceutical companies spent just $1.3 billion on DTC advertising.

Overall, the high levels of spending on marketing and advertising by pharmaceutical companies in the United States have led to criticism from some quarters, who argue that these efforts contribute to rising healthcare costs and may encourage the overuse and misuse of prescription drugs. Regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have implemented stricter guidelines to ensure that pharmaceutical marketing is accurate and ethical.

Top-selling drugs (as of 2021)

Humira (adalimumab): Humira is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. It is manufactured by AbbVie and had annual sales of approximately $20 billion in 2021.

Xeljanz (tofacitinib): Xeljanz is a small-molecule medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. It is manufactured by Pfizer and had annual sales of approximately $5 billion in 2021.

Opdivo (nivolumab): Opdivo is a biologic medication used to treat various cancer types, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and kidney cancer. It is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and had annual sales of approximately $5 billion in 2021.

Keytruda (pembrolizumab): Keytruda is a biologic medication used to treat various cancer types, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. It is manufactured by Merck and had annual sales of approximately $4 billion in 2021.

Revlimid (lenalidomide): Revlimid is a small-molecule medication used to treat blood cancers such as multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It is manufactured by Celgene (now a part of Bristol-Myers Squibb) and had annual sales of approximately $4 billion in 2021.

Who Regulates Pharmaceutical Marketing

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating the marketing and advertising of pharmaceutical products in the United States. The FDA’s authority in this area is derived from the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which requires that all drug advertising be truthful, balanced, and not misleading.

To ensure compliance with these requirements, the FDA has established a number of guidelines and regulations for pharmaceutical advertising. For example, prescription drug advertisements must include a “fair balance” of information about both the benefits and risks of the drug, and must not minimize the importance of any potential side effects. In addition, pharmaceutical companies are required to have evidence to support the claims made in their advertising, and must present this evidence in a way that is understandable to the average consumer.

In cases where the FDA determines that a pharmaceutical company has violated these regulations, it may take a number of enforcement actions, including issuing warning letters, requiring the company to modify or withdraw its advertising, and even taking legal action.

In recent years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has also taken action against several major pharmaceutical companies for alleged violations of federal law in their marketing and promotion of prescription drugs. For example, in 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay a $2.2 billion settlement to the DOJ for illegally marketing its antipsychotic drug Risperdal for unapproved uses. In 2020, Pfizer agreed to pay a $2.3 billion settlement for similar violations related to its promotion of the painkiller Bextra. These and other cases demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring that pharmaceutical marketing is conducted responsibly and ethically.

The Players

The Pharmaceutical Marketer

A pharmaceutical marketer is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns to promote and sell prescription drugs. The specific job responsibilities of a pharmaceutical marketer may vary depending on the size and scope of the company and the specific products being marketed, but common responsibilities may include:

Developing marketing strategies and plans: This may involve conducting market research to understand the target audience, analyzing competitors, and identifying opportunities and challenges in the market.

Creating marketing materials: This may include developing advertisements, brochures, and other promotional materials to support the marketing campaign.

Coordinating marketing campaigns: This may involve coordinating the development and implementation of marketing campaigns across various channels, such as print, digital, and social media.

Managing budgets and resources: This may involve developing and managing budgets for marketing campaigns and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.

Analyzing and measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns: This may involve collecting and analyzing data on the performance of marketing campaigns and using this information to make informed decisions about future marketing efforts.

Collaborating with other teams: Pharmaceutical marketers may work closely with other teams, such as sales, research and development, and regulatory affairs, to ensure that marketing efforts are aligned with the overall goals of the company.

In general, pharmaceutical marketers need to be strategic thinkers with strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and execute effective marketing campaigns. They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

The Market Researcher

A pharmaceutical market researcher is responsible for collecting and analyzing data to inform marketing decisions and strategies for prescription drugs. The specific job responsibilities of a pharmaceutical market researcher may vary depending on the size and scope of the company and the specific products being marketed, but common responsibilities may include:

Conducting market research: This may involve collecting and analyzing data on the market for prescription drugs, including trends, competitors, and consumer behavior.

Identifying market opportunities and challenges: This may involve analyzing market data to identify opportunities and challenges for specific products or in the overall market.

Developing and implementing research projects: This may involve designing and conducting surveys, focus groups, and other research methods to collect data on the market and consumer behavior.

Analyzing and interpreting research data: This may involve using statistical analysis and other research techniques to interpret research data and identify trends and insights.

Providing recommendations based on research findings: This may involve presenting research findings to internal stakeholders and making recommendations for marketing strategies and campaigns based on the data.

Collaborating with other teams: Pharmaceutical market researchers may work closely with other teams, such as marketing, sales, and research and development, to ensure that research findings are used effectively to inform business decisions.

In general, pharmaceutical market researchers need to have strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and communicate research findings effectively. They should also have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Pharmaceutical compliance officer

A pharmaceutical compliance officer is responsible for ensuring that a pharmaceutical company complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to developing, marketing, and selling prescription drugs. The specific job responsibilities of a pharmaceutical compliance officer may vary depending on the size and scope of the company. Still, common responsibilities may include:

Developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures: This may involve creating policies and procedures to ensure that the company complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to the development, marketing, and sale of prescription drugs.

• Providing guidance on compliance issues: This may involve providing guidance and support to employees and other stakeholders on compliance issues related to developing, marketing, and selling prescription drugs.
• Monitoring compliance: This may involve conducting audits and reviews to ensure that the company is in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards and identifying and addressing any areas of non-compliance.
• Responding to regulatory inquiries: This may involve responding to inquiries from regulatory bodies and other stakeholders related to compliance issues.
• Maintaining records: This may involve maintaining records related to compliance activities, including policies, procedures, audits, and any corrective actions taken.

In general, pharmaceutical compliance officers need to have a strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to the pharmaceutical industry, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should also be highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and complex environment.

Medical, Legal, and Regulatory team

A medical, legal, and regulatory (MLR) team at a pharmaceutical company is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to the development, testing, marketing, and sale of prescription drugs. The specific job responsibilities of the MLR team may vary depending on the size and scope of the company. Still, common responsibilities may include:

Reviewing and approving marketing materials: This may involve reviewing and approving marketing materials, such as advertisements, brochures, and digital content, to ensure that they are accurate, fair, and balanced and comply with relevant laws and regulations.

Guiding on regulatory issues: This may involve providing guidance and support to other teams within the company on regulatory issues related to the development, testing, marketing, and sale of prescription drugs.

Managing regulatory submissions: This may involve preparing and submitting regulatory applications, such as new drug applications or marketing authorization applications, to relevant regulatory bodies.

Responding to regulatory inquiries: This may involve responding to inquiries from regulatory bodies and other stakeholders related to regulatory issues.

Maintaining records: This may involve maintaining records related to regulatory activities, including regulatory submissions and approvals, and any corrective actions taken.

In general, the MLR team at a pharmaceutical company needs to have a strong understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to the pharmaceutical industry, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should also be highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and complex environment.

Advertising Agencies

Pharmaceutical companies often use advertising agencies to help them market and advertise their products. There are several reasons why pharmaceutical companies may use advertising agencies, including the need to reach a large and diverse audience, the desire to create compelling and effective marketing campaigns, and the need to comply with regulatory requirements.

Advertising agencies can provide a range of services to pharmaceutical companies, including brand strategy, creative services, digital marketing, and public relations. These services can help pharmaceutical companies to reach and engage with healthcare professionals, consumers, and other stakeholders and can help to support the successful launch and promotion of new products.

The relationship between pharmaceutical companies and advertising agencies typically involves the pharmaceutical company contracting with the advertising agency to provide specific marketing and advertising services. The pharmaceutical company will typically provide the advertising agency with a brief outlining the specific marketing objectives and requirements for the campaign, and the agency will develop a customized plan to meet these objectives. The agency may also work closely with the pharmaceutical company to develop marketing materials, such as advertisements, brochures, and digital content, and may provide ongoing support to help the company implement and measure the effectiveness of the marketing campaign.

There are several advertising agencies that specialize in marketing and advertising for the pharmaceutical industry. Some of the top agencies in this space include:

• Saatchi & Saatchi: Saatchi & Saatchi is a global advertising agency that has a long history of working with pharmaceutical clients. The agency has a dedicated healthcare practice that provides advertising and marketing services to the pharmaceutical industry.

• Havas Health: Havas Health is a global healthcare communications agency that provides a range of marketing and advertising services to the pharmaceutical industry, including digital marketing, public relations, and medical education.

• Ogilvy Health: Ogilvy Health is a global healthcare communications agency that provides advertising and marketing services to the pharmaceutical industry, including brand strategy, creative services, and digital marketing.

• McCann Health: McCann Health is a global healthcare communications agency that provides advertising and marketing services to the pharmaceutical industry, including creative services, digital marketing, and public relations.

• Publicis Health: Publicis Health is a global healthcare communications agency that provides advertising and marketing services to the pharmaceutical industry, including brand strategy, creative services, and digital marketing.

Core Marketing Activities

Core marketing activities for the pharmaceutical industry include direct-to-consumer (DTC), direct-to-physician (DTP), and payer marketing activities. These marketing activities are designed to educate and inform consumers, healthcare professionals, and payers about prescription drugs, and to encourage the appropriate use of products in clinical practice. In the following section, we will explain DTC, DTP, and payer marketing activities in more detail, including their key objectives, strategies, and tactics.

Direct-to-Consumer

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is a form of marketing in which pharmaceutical companies promote their products directly to consumers, as opposed to healthcare professionals. DTC advertising can take various forms, including television commercials, print and online advertisements, and social media campaigns. In the United States, pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars on DTC advertising each year. In 2018, total spending on DTC advertising was $6.3 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure has increased significantly since 1997, when pharmaceutical companies spent just $1.3 billion on DTC advertising.

Television is a key channel for DTC advertising, with pharmaceutical companies spending billions of dollars annually on television commercials. In 2018, pharmaceutical companies spent $3.2 billion on television advertising, making up over half of total DTC advertising spending. In addition to traditional channels, pharmaceutical companies are also increasingly using digital platforms, such as social media, to reach and engage consumers. A report by eMarketer predicts that pharmaceutical companies will spend $5.5 billion on digital advertising in 2022, with social media being a significant part of this spending.

However, high levels of spending on DTC advertising by pharmaceutical companies have been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that these efforts contribute to rising healthcare costs and may encourage overuse and misuse of prescription drugs. In response, regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have implemented stricter guidelines to ensure that pharmaceutical marketing is accurate and ethical.

Several advanced fundamentals are important to understand when it comes to DTC advertising in the pharmaceutical industry:

• Regulatory framework: DTC advertising is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has specific guidelines in place to ensure that DTC advertising is truthful, balanced, and not misleading. Companies must follow these guidelines when developing and promoting their products to consumers.
• Target audience: DTC advertising is typically targeted at a broad audience of consumers, including both those who are diagnosed with a specific health condition and those who may be at risk for a particular condition. Companies may use different marketing strategies to reach different segments of the population, such as targeting specific age groups or demographic characteristics.
• Marketing channels: DTC advertising is typically delivered through a range of channels, including television, radio, print, and digital media. Companies may use a combination of these channels to reach their target audience, and may use different strategies depending on the specific channel being used.
• Message content: The content of DTC advertising messages is typically focused on educating consumers about health conditions and treatment options, and encouraging them to talk to their healthcare professionals about specific products. Companies may use a variety of tactics to deliver their message, including providing information about the symptoms and causes of a specific health condition, highlighting the benefits of a particular treatment, and addressing any potential side effects or risks associated with the product.
• Disclosures: DTC advertising must include certain disclosures, such as a list of side effects and contraindications, to ensure that consumers are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of a particular product. Companies must also include a statement directing consumers to more detailed information, such as the product’s prescribing information, which can be found on the FDA’s website.

Evaluation and measurement: Companies may use a variety of techniques to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of their DTC advertising campaigns, including tracking changes in sales and prescription volume, conducting surveys to assess consumer awareness and attitudes, and analyzing data on website traffic and social media engagement.

In summary, DTC advertising is an important part of the pharmaceutical industry and plays a significant role in raising awareness about health conditions and treatment options, educating consumers, and encouraging them to speak with their healthcare professionals about specific products. The advanced fundamentals of DTC advertising include a regulatory framework, target audience, marketing channels, message content, disclosures, and evaluation and measurement.

Direct-to-physician advertising

Direct-to-physician (DTP) advertising refers to the practice of promoting prescription drugs directly to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, through various channels, such as print and digital media, meetings and conferences, and sales representatives. DTP advertising is an important part of the pharmaceutical industry, and is used by pharmaceutical companies to educate healthcare professionals about their products, highlight the benefits of a particular treatment, and encourage the use of specific products in clinical practice.

There are several advanced fundamentals that are important to understand when it comes to DTP advertising in the pharmaceutical industry:

• Regulatory framework: DTP advertising is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has specific guidelines in place to ensure that DTP advertising is truthful, balanced, and not misleading. Companies must follow these guidelines when developing and promoting their products to healthcare professionals.
• Target audience: DTP advertising is typically targeted at a specific audience of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other practitioners who may prescribe or dispense prescription drugs. Companies may use different marketing strategies to reach different segments of the healthcare professional audience, such as targeting specific specialty areas or types of practices.
• Marketing channels: DTP advertising is typically delivered through a range of channels, including print and digital media, meetings and conferences, and sales representatives. Companies may use a combination of these channels to reach their target audience, and may use different strategies depending on the specific channel being used.
• Message content: The content of DTP advertising messages is typically focused on educating healthcare professionals about the clinical benefits and risks of a particular product, and encouraging its use in appropriate patient populations. Companies may use a variety of tactics to deliver their message, including providing clinical data and studies, highlighting the results of clinical trials, and addressing any potential side effects or risks associated with the product.
• Disclosures: DTP advertising must include certain disclosures, such as a list of side effects and contraindications, to ensure that healthcare professionals are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of a particular product. Companies must also include a statement directing healthcare professionals to more detailed information, such as the product’s prescribing information, which can be found on the FDA’s website.
• Evaluation and measurement: Companies may use a variety of techniques to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of their DTP advertising campaigns, including tracking changes in prescription volume and sales, conducting surveys to assess healthcare professionals’ awareness and attitudes, and analyzing data on website traffic and social media engagement.

In summary, DTP advertising is an important part of the pharmaceutical industry and plays a significant role in educating healthcare professionals about prescription drugs, highlighting the benefits and risks of specific treatments, and encouraging the appropriate use of products in clinical practice. The advanced fundamentals of DTP advertising include a regulatory framework, target audience, marketing channels, message content, disclosures, and evaluation and measurement.

Fundamentals of payer strategies and tactics

Payer strategies and tactics refer to the approaches that pharmaceutical companies use to negotiate with payers, such as insurance companies and government agencies, to secure coverage and reimbursement for their products. Payer strategies and tactics are an important part of the pharmaceutical industry, as they can significantly impact the availability and affordability of prescription drugs for consumers.

Several advanced fundamentals are important to understand when it comes to payer strategies and tactics in the pharmaceutical industry:

Budget impact models: A budget impact model is a tool that is used to predict the financial impact of a new pharmaceutical product on a healthcare system or payer. The model considers factors such as the expected number of patients who will use the product, the anticipated cost of the product, and any potential savings that may result from the use of the product. Budget impact models can help payers understand the potential financial implications of covering a particular product and can be used to negotiate reimbursement terms.

Per member per month (PMPM) calculations: PMPM calculations are used to estimate the cost of covering a specific pharmaceutical product for a particular group of patients. The calculation considers the number of patients in the group, the product’s expected usage, and the product’s anticipated cost. Payers can use PMPM calculations to evaluate the potential cost of covering a particular product and to negotiate the terms of reimbursement.

Rebate strategies: Rebate strategies refer to the approaches that pharmaceutical companies use to offer discounts or rebates to payers in exchange for coverage of their products. Rebates may be offered as a percentage of the list price of the product, or as a fixed dollar amount per unit. Rebates may be offered to payers on a regular basis, or may be tied to specific performance metrics, such as the volume of the product sold or the number of prescriptions written. Rebate strategies can be an effective way for pharmaceutical companies to negotiate coverage.

Pharmaceutical companies often negotiate with managed care organizations, such as insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), to increase the availability of their products to patients. Managed care organizations play a significant role in determining which prescription drugs are covered and reimbursed, and pharmaceutical companies may use a variety of strategies to negotiate for coverage and reimbursement of their products.

Some common tactics that pharmaceutical companies may use to negotiate with managed care organizations include:

• Rebates: Rebates are discounts or financial incentives that are offered to managed care organizations in exchange for coverage of a particular product. Rebates may be offered as a percentage of the list price of the product, or as a fixed dollar amount per unit. Rebates may be offered on a regular basis, or may be tied to specific performance metrics, such as the volume of the product sold or the number of prescriptions written. Rebates can be an effective way for pharmaceutical companies to negotiate coverage and reimbursement of their products.
• Shared risk agreements: Shared risk agreements are arrangements in which a pharmaceutical company agrees to share the risk of covering a particular product with a managed care organization. Under a shared risk agreement, the pharmaceutical company may offer to reimburse the managed care organization for a portion of the cost of the product if the expected usage or costs are higher than anticipated. Shared risk agreements can help managed care organizations to manage their financial risk and can be an attractive option for pharmaceutical companies looking to increase the availability of their products.
• Formulary placement: Formulary placement refers to the position of a particular product on a list of covered drugs, known as a formulary. Pharmaceutical companies may negotiate with managed care organizations to secure a preferred formulary placement for their products, which can increase the likelihood that the product will be prescribed and reimbursed. Formulary placement may be based on factors such as the clinical effectiveness of the product, its cost-effectiveness, and its safety profile.
• Prior authorizations: Prior authorizations are a type of precertification process managed care organizations use to ensure that certain drugs are used appropriately and that the cost of the drugs is justified. Pharmaceutical companies may negotiate with managed care organizations to streamline the prior authorization process for their products, which can increase the likelihood that the products will be prescribed and reimbursed.

Conference strategies

Pharmaceutical companies may sponsor medical conferences as a way to promote their products and services to healthcare professionals and other stakeholders in the medical community. Pharmaceutical companies may use various strategies and tactics to sponsor medical conferences, including:

• Funding conference activities: Pharmaceutical companies may provide financial support to medical conferences to help cover the costs of venue rentals, speaker fees, and other conference expenses. This can be an effective way for pharmaceutical companies to gain exposure and visibility at conferences, and to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the medical community.
• Providing promotional materials: Pharmaceutical companies may distribute promotional materials, such as brochures, flyers, and samples, at medical conferences. These materials may be used to educate attendees about the company’s products and services, and to encourage them to consider prescribing or using these products.
• Sponsoring educational sessions: Pharmaceutical companies may sponsor educational sessions or workshops at medical conferences as a way to provide information about their products and to demonstrate their expertise in a particular area. These sessions may be led by company representatives or by independent experts, and may cover topics such as clinical trial data, product features, and patient case studies.
• Sponsoring meals and receptions: Pharmaceutical companies may sponsor meals and receptions at medical conferences as a way to engage with attendees and to create opportunities for informal networking. These events may be used to showcase the company’s products and to promote its brand.
• Purchasing exhibit booths: Pharmaceutical companies may also purchase exhibit booths at medical conferences as a way to showcase their products and to engage with attendees. Exhibit booths may be used to display information about the company’s products and services, and to provide demos or samples to attendees.

Overall, the strategies and tactics used by pharmaceutical companies to sponsor medical conferences can vary depending on the specific goals and objectives of the company, as well as the nature and focus of the conference.

Examples of large medical conferences:

1. American Medical Association (AMA) Annual Meeting: This conference brings together thousands of physicians and medical students from across the country to discuss the latest developments in healthcare. https://www.ama-assn.org/meetings/annual

1. American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Scientific Session: This conference is focused on advances in cardiovascular medicine and attracts thousands of cardiologists and other healthcare professionals from around the world. https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/annual-scientific-sessions

1. Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting: This conference is one of the largest gatherings of radiologists in the world and attracts thousands of attendees each year. https://www.rsna.org/Annual_Meeting

1. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting: This conference is focused on cancer research and treatment and brings together thousands of oncologists and other healthcare professionals from around the world. https://www.asco.org/about-asco/annual-meeting

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting: This conference is focused on advances in orthopedic surgery and attracts thousands of orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals each year. https://www.aaos.org/annualmeeting/

1. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Annual Meeting: This conference is focused on advances in anesthesiology and attracts thousands of anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals from around the world. https://www.asahq.org/annualmeeting/

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition: This conference is focused on pediatric healthcare and attracts thousands of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals from around the country. https://www.aap.org/en-us/professional-development/national-conference-and-exhibition

1. American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions: This conference is focused on advances in diabetes research and treatment and attracts thousands of healthcare professionals from around the world. https://professional.diabetes.org/annual-meeting

1. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting: This conference is focused on advances in dermatology and attracts thousands of dermatologists and other healthcare professionals from around the world. https://www.aad.org/meetings/annual-meeting
2. American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting: This conference is focused on advances in neurological surgery and attracts thousands of neurosurgeons and other healthcare professionals each year. https://www.aans.org/annual-scientific-meeting

Measuring Success – Key Performance Indicators

Pharmaceutical marketers use a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact and effectiveness of their marketing campaigns. The specific KPIs used may vary depending on the specific marketing objectives and the target audience for the campaign, but some common KPIs that are used in the pharmaceutical industry include:

• Sales volume: This KPI measures the number of units of a product that are sold over a specific time period.

• Sales revenue: This KPI measures the total revenue generated from the sale of a product over a specific time period.

• Market share: This KPI measures the percentage of the overall market for a product that is held by a specific company.

• Prescription volume: This KPI measures the number of prescriptions for a specific product that are written by healthcare professionals over a specific time period.

• Customer satisfaction: This KPI measures the level of satisfaction that customers have with a specific product. It may be assessed through surveys or other research methods.

• Return on investment (ROI): This KPI measures the profit or loss generated from a specific marketing campaign, expressed as a percentage of the investment made.

In addition to these KPIs, pharmaceutical marketers may also use other metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of their campaigns, such as website traffic, social media engagement, and media coverage. The specific metrics used may depend on the marketing objectives and the target audience for the campaign.

Trends to watch:

Increasing trends:

Digital marketing: There has been a trend towards greater use of digital marketing channels, such as social media, website and mobile app development, and digital advertising, in the pharmaceutical industry. Digital marketing can be an effective way to reach and engage consumers and healthcare professionals, and can be particularly useful for targeting specific segments of the population.

Personalization: There has been an increasing trend towards personalization in pharmaceutical marketing, with companies using data and analytics to tailor their marketing efforts to the specific needs and preferences of individual consumers and healthcare professionals. This can include personalized content, messaging, and recommendations, as well as personalized experiences across different channels.

Customer experience: There has been a focus on improving the customer experience in pharmaceutical marketing, with companies looking to create seamless and consistent experiences across different touchpoints and channels. This may involve incorporating customer feedback and insights into marketing strategies, and using technology to enhance the customer journey.

Decreasing trends:

Traditional marketing channels: There has been a trend towards a decrease in the use of traditional marketing channels, such as print and television advertising, in the pharmaceutical industry. This may be due to a shift towards more cost-effective and targeted marketing channels, as well as changes in consumer behavior and the way that information is accessed.

Mass marketing: There has been a trend towards a decrease in the use of mass marketing approaches, such as one-size-fits-all messaging, in the pharmaceutical industry. This may be due to a shift towards more targeted and personalized marketing efforts, as well as a greater focus on customer segmentation and data-driven marketing.

Drug reps: There has been a trend towards a decrease in the use of pharmaceutical sales reps, or “drug reps,” in the pharmaceutical industry. This may be due to a variety of factors, including increased regulation, changes in prescribing habits, and shifts in the way that information is accessed.

Helpful references

“Global Pharmaceutical Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2020-2027” – This report by MarketsandMarkets (https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/pharmaceuticals-market-1252.html) provides a detailed analysis of the global pharmaceutical market, including information on market size, growth trends, and key players.

“The Pharmaceutical Industry in Figures” – This report by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) (https://www.efpia.eu/the-pharmaceutical-industry-in-figures) provides a snapshot of the size and scope of the pharmaceutical industry in Europe, including information on market size, R&D investment, and employment.

“Top 20 Countries by Value of Pharmaceutical Sales” – This report by IQVIA (https://www.iqvia.com/insights/top-20-countries-by-value-of-pharmaceutical-sales) provides a ranking of the top 20 countries by value of pharmaceutical sales, including data on market size and growth trends.

“Pharmaceutical Industry – Statistics & Facts” – This report by Statista (https://www.statista.com/topics/1872/pharmaceutical-industry/) provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmaceutical industry, including data on market size, sales, and R&D investment.

“Global Pharmaceutical Market – Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2021-2028” – This report by Allied Market Research (https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/pharmaceutical-market) provides a detailed analysis of the global pharmaceutical market, including information on market size, growth trends, and key segments

“Pharmaceutical Marketing: An Overview” – This article by the American Medical Association (AMA) (https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/marketing/pharmaceutical-marketing-overview) provides an overview of pharmaceutical marketing, including information on the different types of marketing activities used by pharmaceutical companies and the regulatory framework governing these activities.

“Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs” – This report by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) (https://www.kff.org/report-section/direct-to-consumer-advertising-of-prescription-drugs-section-1-background/) provides a detailed analysis of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs, including information on the history, trends, and regulatory environment surrounding DTC advertising.

“Pharmaceutical Marketing and Promotion: An Overview” – This article by the American Marketing Association (AMA) (https://www.ama.org/publications/Journal-of-Marketing-Research/pharmaceutical-marketing-and-promotion-an-overview/) provides a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical marketing and promotion, including information on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and the key factors driving success in pharmaceutical marketing.

“The Evolution of Pharmaceutical Marketing” – This article by the Marketing Society (https://www.marketing-society.org/what-we-do/latest/the-evolution-of-pharmaceutical-marketing) provides a historical overview of the pharmaceutical marketing industry, including information on the key trends and developments that have shaped the industry over time.

“Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs: A Review of the Literature” – This review by the Cochrane Collaboration (https://www.cochrane.org/CD005639/PHARM_direct-to-consumer-advertising-of-prescription-drugs-a-review-of-the-literature) provides a summary of the research literature on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of prescription drugs, including information on the impact of DTC advertising on consumer behavior, healthcare utilization, and public health.

“Pharmaceutical Marketing Research: An Overview” – This article by the Society for Marketing Advances (SMA) (https://www.marketingadvances.org/journal-of-marketing-advances/pharmaceutical-marketing-research-an-overview/) provides an overview of pharmaceutical marketing research, including information on the key research methods used by pharmaceutical companies and the role of market research in product development and marketing strategy.

“Pharmaceutical Marketing: An Overview of the Industry and Its Challenges” – This article by the Journal of Consumer Marketing (https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/JCM-03-2018-1740) provides an overview of the pharmaceutical marketing industry, including information on the key challenges facing the industry and the role of marketing in driving innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical sector.