Posted: October 23, 2007
Pfizer Inc. Chief Executive Jeffrey Kindler's decision to scrap an unpopular drug bucked an unspoken industry rule, according to a Wall Street Journal article ("Pfizer Breaks With Norm by Scrapping Drug"). Namely, products can linger on life support as long as they pose no safety problems.
The article makes a couple of references to Kindler's previous experience as a fast-food (specifically chicken) executive.
This reminds me of the story of Mike the Headless Chicken (read it here). Mike the Headless Chicken (April 1945 – March 1947; pictured above) was a Wyandotte rooster (cockerel) that lived for 18 months after its head had been cut off.
There's a parable here:
- Exubera could have been Pfizer's headless chicken and lived for 18 months if Kindler didn't kill it; or
- Pfizer is now a headless chicken until it finds another blockbuster drug.
You decide. Read today's post to Pharma Marketing Blog.
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