Pfizer’s CETP inhibitor torcetrapib failed in 2006 due to safety issues. What does dalcetrapib’s failure mean for the future of CETP inhibitors? Merck’s ancetrapib and Eli Lilly’s evacetrapib both may yet demonstrate benefit. These agents cause a 3-4 fold greater increase in HDL than dalcetrapib, and ancetrapib not only raises HDL, but also lowers LDL. Despite dalcetrapib’s failure we have not seen the last of CETP inhibitors!

- Cristi

As expressed by one of the committee members, Nancy Padian, “this matters so much.” Still, some FDA committee members have expressed concern about the potential for drug resistance without cautious restrictions on the availability of this regimen; others suggested that the data does not yet justify its use in the wider, high-risk population.

But perhaps one of the most concerning arguments relates to patient perceptions/attitudes – something less easily managed with restrictions and guidelines. At a time when patient education and adherence to antiretrovirals are often a challenge, an “easy” option could foster a false sense of security and encourage risky behaviour.  The question is: how do we ensure proper use of this medicine and what happens if we can’t?

- Lucia

You’re the centre of attention anywhere you go, because everyone is looking to be entertained by an energetic 3-year-old and a charming 1-year-old.

Your days start and end hours earlier than you’d like, and plans are strictly scheduled into pre-nap and post-nap periods…nothing gets in the way of nap time!

It takes 30 minutes from the time you decide to leave the room, to the time you have everyone dressed and everything packed…so nothing is quite spontaneous.

Pool, beach or lazy river time are no longer a relaxing experience, because you’re continuously on call to amuse or service some demanding little ones.

Restaurant meals are a “circus show”, and you learn to feed yourself with one hand and your child with the other, near simultaneously.

Despite all these complexities, I wouldn’t have traded the time with my family for anything in the world.

P.S. In case you’re wondering, Nathan is intensely looking for the sparkling fish that swam right around our feet!

- Darryl

Africa is well known as being the poorest and most underdeveloped continent on earth. Despite this, it is also one of the most abundant and culturally rich places I have had the pleasure to visit. In Maasai Mara and on the Chobe River it only takes a few minutes to be surrounded by some of the most evocative wildlife on this planet. In rural and urban centres alike, loud music and the African energy will bring even two left feet to the dance floor. It is a continent of beauty with geographical diversity spanning from vast plains to mountainous landscapes to white sand and a warm ocean.

However, by far, the most influential thing about Africa is the determination of its people. One uninhibited smile from a child or a wave from a villager and you forget the insignificant issues we are so easily distressed by in our Western world.

Despite having so little, African people are the happiest, most vivacious people who are a reminder of a basic perspective so easily forgotten, that happiness is found in laughter and music and surrounding yourself with the people you love.

- Nicola

After a busy few weeks, Meducom hit the lanes – the bowling lanes that is – for some well deserved down time. An evening filled with strikes, spares, and many more gutter balls, brought out a little friendly competition that had everyone in good spirits!

For many it was rediscovering a game they hadn’t played in years, for others it was discovering a new calling in life – an honourable mention goes out to Doug, who was on fire, bowling a remarkable 147 (and I have a feeling he was still warming up).

All-in-all a great evening was had – looking forward to the next!

- Courtney

Looking to elevate the outcomes from your medical conference to the next level? Give Meducom a call and we can customize a multi-sponsored reporting structure to meet your needs!

- Nicola

Henry Ford summed it up best when he said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right.”

We wholeheartedly appreciate the impact a positive attitude has on our success, not to mention the boost in spirit it provides to colleagues and clients.

As a leader in healthcare marketing and communications strategies, Meducom is constantly challenged to deliver “firsts” for clients…those ground-breaking projects that no one has attempted to get through the complex legal and regulatory environment that is pharma. What drives us, and motivates our clients, is a consistent attitude of positivity, supplemented by a thorough understanding of the situation.

So if you’re looking to be a pioneer within your organization, find an agency that has done it before. Call Meducom for ideas on what can be done, and the right attitude to make it happen.

- Darryl

Nothing challenges and excites an agency more than being invited to pitch a strategic pharmaceutical marketing plan for a new client. Timelines are usually tight, and the process draws on every aspect of our services – management, account service, medical, creative…and all this without impacting current business. So what makes us successful?

Meducom embraces the entrepreneurial spirit. We’re not a division of a large global conglomerate, we’re a privately owned and operated company that thrives on the competition for business in the pharmaceutical marketing sector. We realize that a pitch is the best opportunity we have to flex our expertise, and our team appreciates the personal learning and development that organically occurs during briefings, brainstorming sessions and the pitch itself. We’re driven by our pride and passion to do what it takes to put our best foot forward…and the resulting adrenaline is what helps make the inevitable late nights and weekends fun for us.

So if you’d like an agency that’s hungry for your business, give Meducom a call…and we’ll pitch with pleasure.

- Darryl

If the development of an education program does not adhere to stringent guidelines for accredited CME, there is a significant risk that the program will not be eligible for accreditation. As well, accreditation reviewers are very sensitive to industry involvement and content bias so it is important that an informed development process be put in place.

At Meducom we know CME and we have the answers. We work with the CFPC and other accredited providers on a daily basis and not once have we failed to obtain accreditation for a program. Give us a call and let us provide you some guidance and peace of mind for your accredited CME.

- Doug