NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The emergence of a number of profitable and soon to be profitable smaller pharmaceutical companies around the industry developing, in-licensing, and selling their own new medicines has caused a shift in the traditional perception of the industry: no longer is "Big Pharma" the profitable player around. Over the last ten years or so, dozens of smaller firms have entered the challenging market with niche products, and in several cases, "blockbuster" medicines that generate revenues far in excess of one billion dollars annually, reports Strategic Research Institute.
The corps of marketing and sales personnel tend to be much thinner in smaller companies, and much less oriented towards the mass marketing machines that larger pharma have become. This reflects several factors: lower overhead expenditures, lower revenue streams, and in the biotech sector, a more influential cadre of Ph.D. level scientific management less driven by this model. Some companies that have done very well include the obvious, such as Amgen and Genentech, and newer entrants like Gilead Sciences, MedImmune, BiogenIdec, Genzyme, ICOS, Forest Labs, Indevus, Sepracor, Cephalon, Celgene, and a host of other companies soon to launch their products themselves, co-promote, or license in, or reformulate existing medicines. The last area comprises and host of generic firms and drug delivery companies whose technologies have given old medicines new life, made new drugs better, or have served as a platform for other internal development.
In response to the marketing needs of such companies, The 4th Annual Pharmaceutical Marketing Summit has added a "track" entitled "Small Company Strategic Marketing" as part of the much broader and 7-tracked April 4-5, 2006 extravaganza in New Brunswick, NJ.
The summit comes on the heels of the very successful Medicare Part D conference ending today in Washington, D.C. and also hosted by Strategic Research Institute.
The annual conference is expected to draw 400-600 attendees from around the industry, especially from the pharmaceutical companies of all sizes. What has changed is the mix of Larger vs. Smaller company personnel. The information and networking gathering is among the largest in the country.
The mega-event offers unprecedented value to its attendees by tracking the meeting along seven related and concurrent themes, all oriented to provide the vital information industry marketers demand to re-think and enhance their brand's performances in the US market and abroad. Attendees may register for any of the six meetings and attend sessions from the menu of sessions taking place at any time.
In addition, frequent networking sessions for all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors are coordinated to bring everyone together. Themed nightly functions are also offered to encourage and facilitate attendee socialization. Lead Sponsors Include PDI, Taregret RX, and Campbell Alliance.
The unprecedented level of valuable information and networking meets the needs of all participants. The organizers look forward to unveiling the agenda in several weeks and to delivering the much needed boost to marketing performance across the industry.
Some speaking and panel slots still remain and proposals may be submitted through Wednesday November 23. Submissions should be titled and 50-100 words and sent to Mark Alexay, Executive Vice President, Life Sciences, Strategic Research Institute at malexay@srinstitute.com. All constituents in the industry, though especially from pharmaceutical companies, are encouraged to submit proposals. Panel topics may be suggested as well.
Prime sponsorship opportunities and exhibit space still remain. Space continues to be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis and sponsorship with speaking opportunities are especially in short supply. Contact Mark Alexay at malexay@srinstitute.com or 201.452.4023 to decide what level of participation works best.
Strategic Research InstituteCONTACT: Mark Alexay, Strategic Research Institute, +1-201-452-4023,malexay@srinstitute.com
Web site: http://www.srinstitute.com/
