PharmaKinnex released a study gauging the marketing communications preferences of 100 physician offices. The study underscores the importance of a multi-channel marketing approach and the challenges that still lay ahead for Internet-based communications. Office visits and direct mail are still the preferred devices over email and e-detailing. Surprisingly, 40 percent of those surveyed preferred faxes.

Full Article from PharmaKinnex

Wireless Healthcare has published a report concluding that innovations in personalized healthcare will disrupt the business models of incumbent providers. While existing services tend to address the needs of current patients, the report predicts that a new model will emerge to address the needs of people before they enter the healthcare system.

Full Article from Wireless Healthcare

WebMD announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Medsite, Inc., a leading eDetailing company. The move will significantly increase WebMD's medical education services as well as access to additional physicians. Medsite has grown its database to over 400,000 physicians and works with over 60 pharma and other healthcare companies.

Full Article from Yahoo! Finance

Jupiter Research reports that while 71% of web users seek health information online, most are disappointed with the quality of information they find. Survey respondents cited a need for clearer indications of source of material, and suggested improvements to search (for both general and health-specific engines), including a list of related keywords and site reviews from other users.

Full Article from MediaPost

In its new Cybercitizen Health v5.0 study, Manhattan Research identifies 142.4 million consumers as Extended Impact Consumers by reporting to be a Caregiver, a Family Health Manager, or other Health Influencer. Each has a direct impact on 2.1 people when accounting for children, elderly parents and spouses

Full Article from PRNewswire

Video On Demand (VOD) company HealthiNation has launched in 15 cable markets, with plans to begin streaming its videos online by the end of the summer. According to an AdAge report, the longer formats and on-demand nature of VOD is the right fit for pharma advertisers who have been criticized for mass-reach DTC ads.

HealthiNation.com

Full Article from AdAge (subscription required)

Based on information from the Wall St Journal ("The Marketing Maze" - subscription required), this article estimates the 2005 marketing mix allocation for pharma versus total all consumer marketing, including TV, Newspaper, Internet and Outdoor spending.

Full Article from Pharma Marketing Blog