On Sept. 27^th, MCS attended the 2^nd Annual Galien Forum, a roundtable of leaders in healthcare focusing on critical global issues and  challenges the industry is facing. The forum brought together leaders from all spectrums of the healthcare field including influential journalists, physician leaders, pharmaceutical executives, R&D innovators, etc.

Of particular interest was the debate on how news breaks and how patients and physicians handle the response. In our current media landscape if, for example, a safety signal is alerted and reported about a drug, consumers have instant access to this news likely before their personal physician has had a chance to study and review the information. It is clear that as communicators we need to develop “rapid learning systems” so that we can offer the public, and those who care for them, the most information possible in the shortest amount of time.

Overall, the Galien Forum offered high-level insight from the top minds who brought forth ideas and challenges the industry will be faced with all as we strive to improve and manage healthcare globally. Our thanks to Christopher O’Toole for the invite, and we look forward to attending again next year.

The FDA has provided details into their reorganization. The latest change? The Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications (DDMAC), will now become  the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP) and will consist of two divisions: one that will oversee prescription drug promotion to healthcare professionals and another that will oversee promotion aimed at consumers. 

To read more about the FDA’s current transformations, check out this article by MM&M or for a quick rundown, take a look at their organizational hierarchy chart here.