PhRMA testifies on value of drug marketing

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has testified to the US Senate Special Committee on Aging, about the value of drug marketing.

Marjorie Powell, the PhRMA's senior assistant general counsel, told the hearing that "pharmaceutical marketing plays a critical role in improving patient care and fostering the appropriate use of medicines that helps lower overall health care costs in America. Arming physicians with essential information about the medicines they prescribe undoubtedly benefits patients and advances health care in the United States."

She added: "informing health care professionals of the benefits and risks specific to a new or existing medicine - whether it be through responsible advertising or pharmaceutical sales representatives - helps ensure patients are safely and effectively treated. Pharmaceutical marketing is one of several important ways for doctors to receive the information they need to make sure their treatment choices are the right ones for each individual patient. In fact, reports have shown that pharmaceutical marketing and continuing medical education programs have drastically improved awareness of treatment options for Americans suffering from depression or diabetes, a disease that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States."