{"id":7934,"date":"2006-05-04T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2006-05-04T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pharma-mkting.com\/wake-up-phrma-or-tilting-at-windmills\/"},"modified":"2019-02-21T01:27:43","modified_gmt":"2019-02-21T01:27:43","slug":"wake-up-phrma-or-tilting-at-windmills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ec2-54-175-84-28.compute-1.amazonaws.com\/pharma-mkting.com\/blog\/wake-up-phrma-or-tilting-at-windmills\/","title":{"rendered":"Wake Up PhRMA! or Tilting at Windmills"},"content":{"rendered":"

A week or so ago I reported that Sepracor was “sneaking” in Lunesta “reminder ads” despite being a signatory to PhRMA’s Guiding Principles for DTC advertising (see “Sepracor Sneaks In Lunesta Reminder Ad<\/a>“). <\/p>\n

Since then I’ve become aware that Sepracor is continuing to run Lunesta reminder ads on prime time cable and network TV. While I am no Don Quijote anxious to tilt at windmills, I decided to make this is a test case of Pharma’s (and PhRMA’s) commitment to the DTC Principles and report back to readers of Pharma Marketing Blog. <\/p>\n

First, I tried calling Jonae Barnes, VP of Investor Relations and Corporation Communications at Sepracor (her number is 508-481-6700). I’ve left several voice mails — no response. I also sent her an email directly as well as through the online form<\/a> located on the Sepracor Web site. No response. <\/p>\n

I tried Amy P. Trevvett, Sr. Manager, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, by phone and email as well. At least I got a return email receipt form her and I will treasure it the rest of my life! Otherwise, nada. <\/p>\n

OK, that windmill was a waste of time! Might as well go through appropriate channels and try PhRMA’s Office of Accountability. Today, I sent that office a letter by certified (you can download it here<\/a>), which points out the violations that I am aware of. <\/p>\n

The following are approximate dates, times, and TV stations where these ads have appeared: <\/p>\n