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New fund for electronic prescribing

21/05/13 permalink £250 million fund will provide incentive for progress

A new £260 million fund is to help accelerate progress toward electronic prescribing in NHS hospitals.

AstraZeneca backs online NHS passport tool

30/04/13 permalink National Institute of Health Research offering available as booklet and app

AstraZeneca has provided support to an NHS partner launching an online tool to help patients keep track of their health data.

US doctors support self-monitoring patients

24/04/13 permalink But most patients still rely on low-tech recording methods

A new survey of US doctors has found that most have patients who are measuring their health data themselves, and are sharing this data with their doctor.

Digital ad monitoring for UK pharma market launched

19/04/13 permalink Media and marketing firm collaborates with key publishers and media owners

Ebiquity has launched a new service to monitor and benchmark advertising spend and creative for the UK healthcare market.

Watson: the supercomputer revolution begins here

21/02/13 permalink IBM’s supercomputer has begun work on diagnosis and treatment plans for lung cancer - and never stops learning

Watson, a supercomputer developed by IBM is to make its debut helping oncologists diagnose and choose the best treatment for patients.

Hunt pledged 'paperless NHS'

04/02/13 permalink ‘One region in England’ will have a portable e-health record by 2015

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has put his head on the block by pledging that moves towards a ‘paperless NHS’ will be clearly visible in two years’ time.

Go digital health launched

21/01/13 permalink Virgo and GolinHarris extend collaboration with digital agency

A new global digital practice, go digital health, has been launched by Virgo Health and GolinHarris.

‘Augmented reflection’ brings GAD to life

13/12/12 permalink Short video conveys the reality of living with excessive anxiety

Pfizer has worked with patient group Anxiety UK to create a new ‘enhanced reflection’ video to raise awareness of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Hunt: England to be technology ‘leader’

15/11/12 permalink Health secretary says it will soon be second only to the US in use of telehealth

Technology is to free 100,000 people next year from what health secretary Jeremy Hunt calls the ‘constant merry-go-round’ of doctors’ surgeries and hospitals.

Perception of pharma online ‘negative’

25/10/12 permalink But social media has ‘vital connection’ to patients, says survey 

Pharma manufacturers must take to social media in a bid to correct misinformation about the industry and their products, according to a new survey from two digital experts.

Chat rooms used to check drug safety

12/10/12 permalink Academics to see whether social media can help improve pharmacovigilance

Social media chatter on blogs, tweets and online forums is to be analysed to see whether such comments can help identify adverse drug reactions in advance of action by regulatory authorities.

Vernon named Digital Pioneer at PM Society awards

05/10/12 permalink  Growing awards reflect increasing confidence in using digital media

A range of innovative digital programmes created by UK pharma companies and agencies were recognised at last night’s PM Society Digital Awards.

Boehringer beta launches Syrum on Facebook

17/09/12 permalink Pharma experiments using online social game as a marketing tool

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced the beta launch of its first social game on Facebook, the eagerly-awaited Syrum.

UK doctors not going digital for product information

22/08//12 permalink GPs also have little time for reps Doctors.net survey finds 

A new survey has revealed that the majority of doctors in the UK are not looking online for information about pharma products.

MSD joins forces with PatientsLikeMe for psoriasis

14/08/12 permalink Patient community site proven popular with big pharma

MSD has teamed up with the online patient community site ‘PatientsLikeMe’ to gauge the impact of psoriasis on patients, whilst also looking to improve outcomes.

UK doctors must prepare for the rise of the ‘ePatient’

09/08/12 permalink New digital guide aims to help clinicians keep apace online

Doctors and other healthcare professionals must prepare for the rise of ‘ePatients’ in the coming years and keep apace with the evolving digital landscape.

AstraZeneca launches prostate cancer app

07/08/12 permalink ‘Prostate Assistant’ records and stores PSA levels 

AstraZeneca has launched a new app that helps prostate cancer patients to monitor their PSA levels.

AstraZeneca launches virtual research laboratory

31/07/12 permalink Partners with Assay Depot for its first virtual lab

AstraZeneca and partner Assay Depot have launched a virtual research laboratory aimed at helping its scientists create R&D collaborations.

Janssen launches drug reminder service ‘Care4Today’

26/07/12 permalink App will remind patients to take their medication 

Janssen has launched a new digital service designed to help patients remember to take their medication.

Microsoft buys Yammer for $1.2 billion

28/06/12 permalink The ‘private social network’ now has major corporate backing

Microsoft has acquired Yammer, an internal social networking system for businesses, for $1.2 billion.

Apps not the way forward for trial recruitment

28/06/12 permalink Still some way to go before strategy might work

After Pfizer admitted defeat in the first ever ‘virtual trial’ earlier this year, it seems that we are not yet ready for this type of online recruitment. 

CSL Behring launches new dosing app

26/06/12 permalink Hopes to increase use of its drug Beriplex P/N

Biotherapy firm CSL Behring UK has launched an app for doctors to aid the management of its anaesthetic treatment Beriplex P/N.

Pfizer vows to learn from virtual trial failure

22/06/12 permalink Will not stop using social media for recruitment

Several months after Pfizer failed to recruit patients to its first ever virtual trial, the firm said it was looking to learn from the setback.

Xbox Kinect technology to help stroke victims

19/06/12 permalink University of Southampton and Roke to develop new technology

The University of Southampton and Roke Manor Research have pioneered the use of Microsoft’s Xbox technology to help stroke patients recover at home.

Pfizer launches ‘Campaign Against Migraine’ website

18/06/12 permalink Complements its severe headache drug Relpax

Pfizer has launched a new website called ‘Campaign Against Migraine’ to help migraine sufferers in the US learn more about their condition.

NICE launches new BNF prescribing app

15/06/12 permalink For healthcare professional eyes only

NICE has launched a new app that allows users to search all medicines listed in the British National Formulary.

ABPI: we don’t have the answers for digital yet

14/06/12 permalink But UK pharma group believes online interaction is key

Pharma’s use of digital media is posing questions that can’t yet be answered, says the new ABPI president Deepak Khanna.

Pfizer launches new website for Dupuytren’s disease

12/06/12 permalink ‘It is in your hands’ campaign uses interactive video

Pfizer has released a new interactive video and website aimed at helping people with Dupuytren’s disease, a debilitating hand condition.

Lilly app aims to boost trial recruitment

08/06/12 permalink App helps doctors to search oncology drug trials

Lilly has launched a new searchable clinical trial mobile app for oncologists.

NHS to host first 'hack day' event

22/05/12 permalink With support from industry figures such as Ben Goldacre and Sir Muir Gray  

The NHS will host its first ‘hack day’ event this weekend in London, with the aim of sharing software that promotes health. 

Government sets out new information strategy for NHS

22/05/12 permalink Plans include allowing patients to email GPs for appointments

The Department of Health has outlined its plan for greater use of information technology in the NHS in a bid to help improve services for patients. 

ABPI to help pharma with digital communications

04/05/12 permalink New working group tasked with digital engagement

The ABPI has set up a new group to help pharma with its online communications. 

Roche and Novartis have best websites

03/05/12 permalink Bowen Craggs & Co highlights web savvy firms – and those that need improving

A new survey of leading international companies has found Roche and Novartis have the best websites in the pharma sector. 

Shire’s Vpriv website in breach of ABPI Code

24/04/12 permalink Rival firm Genzyme complained about the site

Shire’s website for its Gaucher’s disease drug Vpriv has fallen foul of the ABPI’s Code of Conduct. 

1 in 3 surveyed says social media changes attitudes to medicines

23/04/12 permalink New survey confirms the power of social networking

A third of US social media users say it could change the way they think about their medicines, according to a new poll.

GMC to create guidance on doctors’ use of social media

23/04/12 permalink Regulator expects professional online communication 

The General Medical Council is creating new draft guidance about what it expects from doctors when they are using social media.

Abbott launches online tool for ankylosing spondylitis

23/04/12 permalink Looks to help doctors assess treatments for the disease

Abbott has launched a new online assessment tool that has the potential to change the landscape of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patient management in the UK.

Cloud computing 'eagerly anticipated' by healthcare

16/04/12 permalink But it will be emerging markets that see the full benefits

The use of cloud computing in healthcare is expected to grow to significantly in the coming years, but developed countries may miss out.

Roche sponsors Twitter-based diabetes community

05/04/12 permalink Questions on conflicts of interest for both sides

Roche is to sponsor a Twitter-based site devoted talk about diabetes, furthering its close links with online commentators. 

Janssen to remove its Psoriasis 360 Facebook page

28/03/12 permalink Sorting through undesirable comments too onerous for the firm

Janssen has decided to take down its award-winning Psoriasis 360 page on Facebook, due to an increasing amount of troublesome comments.

Mobile monitoring of asthma 'no better' than traditional methods

26/03/12 permalink Usage also not cost effective, BMJ article concludes

Mobile phone monitoring of asthma is ‘more expensive and no better than paper monitoring’, says new research. 

NICE launches new guidance app

23/03/12 permalink Will work on Android and Apple smartphones

NICE has launched a new app that allows mobile access to all of NICE’s recommendations and advice of the past 12 years.

Maps and apps: video interviews with healthcare professionals

14/03/12 permalink DH releases video interviews on new health applications

Last month the Department of Health released ideas for new apps aimed at patients and doctors.

EMA begins pilot for electronic drug applications

14/03/12 permalink Firms can now submit marketing requests via PDF form

The European Medicines Agency has launched a pilot scheme that allows pharma firms to submit new drugs electronically. 

Sanofi's new diabetes device: worth the price?

12/03/12 permalink With other devices free on the NHS, why should a patient pay for the iBGStar?

Sanofi launched its new iPhone and iPod Touch blood sugar monitor to much fanfare this week, but its high price tag raises questions over its value for money. 

Sanofi launches iPhone and iPod glucose monitor

12/03/12 permalink New detachable device to help diabetes patients control sugar levels

Sanofi has launched a new diabetes device to help patients monitor their blood sugar levels from their phones or mp3 players.

New website launched to help people with psoriasis

09/03/12 permalink Features new forum for patients and updated design

A new online resource for patients with psoriasis has been set up to help them understand and manage their disease.

Boehringer's Pradaxa website censured

08/03/12 permalink Website falls foul of digital ABPI Code

Boehringer Ingelheim has breached the ABPI’s Code of Conduct over the use of its Pradaxa website.  

Pfizer's virtual trial fails in recruitment drive

07/03/12 permalink Patients wary of uploading medical information online

In an industry first Pfizer is to use mobile phone and web-based technology to collect study data for pharma’s first ‘virtual’ clinical trial.

Web-based tool for chronic diseases launched in UK

06/03/12 permalink MyHealthMonitor helps patients manage diseases like MS, diabetes and COPD

A new electronic tool to help patients and their doctors monitor long-term conditions has been launched in the UK. 

GPs to 'prescribe' apps for patients

22/02/12 permalink An app a day keeps the doctor away

Family doctors in England could soon be asked to ‘prescribe’ apps to patients to help them manage their medical conditions.

FDA: don't broadcast discussions on off-label uses

06/01/12 permalink  US regulator finally addresses pressing digital question

Best Moments of 2011

16/12/11 permalink Health Secretary drubbed in health reform debate

European keen on drug info - but not via Facebook or Twitter

8/12/11 permalink New survey finds web users want serious information, not chat and games

Merck and Merck look to settle Facebook naming dispute

29/11/11 permalink Facebook had given the URL to Merck & Co

Earlier this month Merck KGaA, which is based in Germany, had taken Facebook to court over the use of the www.facebook.com/merck name. (Read more.)

Janssen sets up new mental health social networking site

28/11/11 permalink Aimed at emerging GP commissioners

Janssen Cilag and the NHS Confederation have established a new mental health social networking site. (Read more.)

Boehringer developing Facebook game

15/11/11 permalink Described as a cross between Farmville and Pokémon

Boehringer Ingelheim is developing a new Facebook civilisation game in the hopes of helping the public understand the difficulty involved in research and development. (Read more.)

Alex Butler leaves Janssen to set up Social Moon pharma network

27/10/11 permalink New website will be filled with comment and resources

Social media guru Alex Butler has left his former post as head of digital comms at Janssen to establish Social Moon, the UK’s first digital-only marketing and comms agency for the healthcare and pharma industry. (Read more.)

#fakedrugs: scammers using Twitter to peddle fake medicines 

24/10/11 permalink Scammers are exploiting Twitter to entrap people into buying fake medicines.

The report, published by the department of computer science at the University of Alkron in Ohio, says that the set up of Twitter is creating an ideal environment for those wishing to peddle counterfeit drugs. (Read More.)

Last words from Dominic

20/10/11 permalink  Two years after launching the blog, InPharm’s web editor Dominic Tyer bows out with a final post.

This will be my last Digital Pharma post as, after two years writing the blog - and a full 12 years with Pharmafocus, I will shortly take up a new challenge within the sector.

Since launching the blog in 2009, developments in the digital realm have moved ahead with lightning speed. (Read More.)

It's not about the brand website

19/10/11 permalink  The last few years have seen an explosion of interest in digital marketing in the pharma sector, reflecting the wider revolution brought about by sites like Facebook and Twitter, and mobile devices in the shape of smartphones and iPads.

But has marketing to pharma’s core audience of healthcare professionals really been revolutionised by digital media?

Beneath all the excitement and hype, the truth is that digital marketing has not claimed a significant part of pharma’s marketing budgets. This isn’t to say digital marketing hasn’t had a major impact, but neither has it become the dominant medium for marketing to doctors some had predicted. In terms of how much of the average marketing budget goes on digital, the total is surprisingly low. (Read More.)

NHS-backed health social network launches

03/10/11 permalink  A new NHS-backed social network has launched to provide support to patients with long-term conditions through ‘personal health planning’.

A new NHS-backed social network has launched to provide support to patients with long-term conditions through ‘personal health planning’.

Cambridge Healthcare says the new site will be free for patients to use, but that revenue from third party application developers would allow it to be self-sustaining. (Read More.)

Lilly plans social media expansion

14/09/11 permalink One year after launching its corporate blog Lilly is ramping up its use of social media.

Last week the company launched a new YouTube channel and tomorrow Lilly will make its official corporate debut on Facebook.

The company is obviously undeterred by August's Facebook changes, which forced pharma companies to allow their pages to host user comments, something the industry had previously been allowed to block. (Read More.)

Twitter slip-up shouldn't silence pharma

9/9/11 permalink  Bayer UK was recently ruled to have breached the ABPI Code of Practice by promoting prescription-only medicines to the general public via Twitter.

This was an embarrassing and unfortunate incident for the company, but I don’t believe it needs to scare UK pharma away from digital media.

I have to declare a particular interest in this case because I personally brought the breach to light though this column, and Pharmafocus subsequently alerted the PMCPA. (Read More.)

Mobile marketing

01/09/11 permalink “This, is not a phone,” said Mark Blayney Stuart holding up his BlackBerry. “It’s a very powerful computer that happens to make phone calls.”

The head of research at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Mark has been pondering the future of smart phones and marketing for a new CIM report on the subject.

He was speaking at the PM Society’s Digital Showcase meeting in London in June and presented some of the latest ideas and trends from the consumer world of mobile marketing. (Read More.)

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