Web 2.0: E-Lobbying for Follow-on Biologics
Insmed a small, Richmond Va-based biotechnology and manufacturing company has upped the ante in the fight to bring follow-on biologics to America. After spending some time on Capitol Hill, company executives found that “people in Washington, as well as payors and patients don’t have an understanding at a reasonable level of the debate that is going on and the issues” surrounding that follow-on biologics debate. To reach as wide an audience as possible and frame the debate on the issues” the company decided to use the Internet to take the initiative to the next level–the Internet.
A key to Insmed’s initiative is an economic study on the potential savings follow-on biologics could provide to patients, payors and healthcare providers. The study is still being conducted and its results will be published on the net when available. The campaign also includes advocacy components that like user-generated content (blogs) and social networking sites. Recently, Insmed posted a video clip on YouTube that feature one of its scientists extolling the virtues and cost-saving advantages of follow-on biologics.
As many of you may know, I have long been an advocate of legislation to allow the approval and sale of follow-on biologics in the US. Unfortunately, until now, only one side of the debate–from big biotech and BIO–has been heard by the American public. This has largely been due to marketing muscle and deep pockets of big biotech coupled with a lack of unity among follow-on biologics advocates. Web 2.0 with its social networks, blogs and video sites allows people with the smallest voices to be heard. And, sometimes those small voices can turn into roars!
Kudos to Insmed for having the courage to boldly go where no generics manufacturer has gone before–on YouTube! Yeah baby!!!
Until next time….
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting (see you on Web 2.0)!!!!!!!!
