This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Ian,

I've always said that Biogen's marketing department is one of the best in the pharmaceutical world.

How else could a company take one year data from a two year trial, convince everyone that it was the answer for MS patients, outline their marketing strategy on the net, host web casts showing how great the drug was, charge $ 1800.00 per infusion for just the drug at the wholesale level and have patients lined up by the thousands to use it??!! And not be too sure about the safety aspect of it! You really have to tip your hat to that department within Biogen.

Harry

I don't know Harry, I think all the pharmacuticals are like that. How else can politicians think the NEW Medicare drug plan is so good. Gary's Copaxon went from $5 a month on a foundation to $67 a month with the Medicare plan. Needless to say, it had a lot to do with why he doesn't take it anymore. With his wonderful "cost of living" annual raise, he came out in the hole this year. Who is winning all of this? Big Pharmacy! Have you seen all the marketing that is going on with this?

Amelia,

amelia wrote:I don't know Harry, I think all the pharmacuticals are like that.

Yes, you are right about all the pharmaceuticals...their mission in life is to make a lot of money and they have very good marketing and sales departments. I have just happened to follow Biogen for the past few years because of Tysabri and what gets me the most is how they promote their products....not always being totally truthful.

You can bend the truth when promoting a car or tv or some commodity but when it deals with people's health and welfare, the results can have some serious results. But that doesn't seem to bother some pharma companies.

Harry

Can we say Viagra? And it is STILL on the market. My post is just to say that Biogen is NOT alone. Doesn't make it right, but I would guess if Teva or any of the others in the same situation, would have done the same thing.