As the U.S. Readies for New Drug Sampling Regulations, Scott-Levin Launches Pharmaceutical Samples Policy Monitor.

Health/Medical Writers

NEWTOWN, Pa.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 10, 2000

Drug samples are a powerful tool for the pharmaceutical industry's marketing and education activities.

The rules for sampling are changing, however. To fulfill the information needs of regulated organizations, Scott-Levin is launching the Pharmaceutical Samples Policy Monitor.

Federal regulations implementing the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA), which take effect in December, will lead to changes in how the states regulate drug sampling. State officials will need to assess their own laws and regulations under the framework of the new federal rules.

The new regulations make it essential that pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors keep up with the changing sampling arena at the state level. The Pharmaceutical Samples Policy Monitor is designed to do just that. It covers all state legislative, regulatory and court-related actions that affect drug samples.

Coverage includes:

-- State drug sampling legislation and regulations, in both detailed narrative
recaps and spreadsheet reports.

-- Summaries of state and federal sampling-related case law as it develops.

-- State-by-state profiles of specific health care professionals and their
ability to sign for and distribute samples.

-- Recaps of all provisions of the PDMA regulations relevant to sampling,
including requirements for licensed practitioners, requests, records and
charitable institutions.

-- The impact of Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
standards that affect sampling procedures.

The Pharmaceutical Samples Policy Monitor is available in both CD-ROM and hard-copy formats. For more information, please contact Theresa Regan, [e-mail], or Kevin Monaghan, [e-mail]. Phone: [phone]; fax: [phone].

Scott-Levin provides consulting services to more than 100 U.S. and international pharmaceutical clients. These services monitor key areas such as product promotion, industry trends, retail pharmacy activity, market performance, managed care and government affairs.

Scott-Levin's market research audits and strategic studies cover detailing, meetings and events, direct-to-consumer advertising, journal advertising, and other media. Taken together, Scott-Levin products can give clients the most accurate possible picture of total pharmaceutical promotion.

Scott-Levin is part of the Quintiles Informatics group of Quintiles Transnational Corp., the global leader in helping pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies market and sell their products. Quintiles also provides insightful market research solutions and strategic analyses to support health care decisions. Headquartered near Research Triangle Park, N.C., Quintiles employs a global workforce operating from offices in 38 countries.