Does anyone have pharmaceutical or advertising connections?

[Misskittycat]

I need some help finding contacts to pharmaceutical advertising reps or consultants, or contacting drug company "product managers."

My friend works for a nonprofit that for over 20 years successfully funded continuing medical education seminars for doctors with drug company support.

A few years ago, the feds actually acted against the drug firms, issuing regs prohibiting direct support like this (i.e., advertising). As a result, the drug company funding totally dried up.

The nonprofit has found a legal way around these regs (a "safe harbor" test). It's now looking to reconnect with the proper drug company folks -- i.e., the "product managers" -- who can allocate this spending/funding/advertising -- whatever you want to call it.

The old contacts at the drug firms (i.e., the marketing and advertising folks) are now not the correct people to contact. But the identities of the "product managers" are guarded like state secrets. Does anyone have any ideas how to penetrate this wall.

Also, finding a consultant or agent to act as a go-between has been tough, too. They're just not sure who in the advertising or consulting fields to contact.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. PS My friend is a flaming liberal, too -- not too thrilled about dealing with the evil ogre drug companies, but that's the best source for funds.

Thanks.

Now it is the "product managers" rather than

[Orangepeel]

1. I can't help, but I'll kick it in case someone else can.

:kick:

[KitchenWitch]

2. Try contacting the local pharmacy schools

they might be able to help you, since a lot of pharmacy grads end up being sales reps to the pharm companies.