Friday, June 29, 2012

Type 2 Diabetes News, Study Results Publication


Lexicon Pharmaceuticals got its start with the development of "knockout mice" -- mice whose DNA has been modified to disrupt, or "knock out" certain gene functions -- to study the potential effects of drugs on various genetic targets. The firm is focused on clinical and pre-clinical research identified by its gene knockout technology. Leading candidates include LX4211 for type 2 diabetes, LX1031 and LX1033 for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and LX1032 for carcinoid syndrome. Other pipeline include therapies. for RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and glaucoma. 

Full press release is below.
SOURCE: Lexicon Pharmaceuticals

Lexicon Announces Publication of Results of Two Studies of LX4211 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in the Journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics.


THE WOODLANDS, TexasJune 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX) announced today the publication of results from two initial trials of LX4211 in patients with type 2 diabetes in the online edition of the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The paper, containing results from both trials, is entitled, "LX4211, a Dual SGLT1/SGLT2 Inhibitor, Improved Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial," and will also appear in an upcoming print edition of the journal. A link to the online article can be accessed athttp://www.nature.com/clpt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/clpt201258a.html.
"This publication represents the first peer-reviewed description of SGLT1 inhibition stimulating GLP-1 and PYY release in man," said Dr. Brian Zambrowicz, Lexicon's executive vice president and chief scientific officer. "Since LX4211 also inhibits SGLT2, the rapid and significant glycemic control and metabolic benefits observed may be attributed to effective dual inhibition of these two targets."
In the 4-week Phase 2a study described in the paper, 36 patients received once-daily oral administration of placebo or 150 mg or 300 mg of LX4211 (randomized 1:1:1) in an in-patient setting. Patients receiving LX4211 exhibited rapid and significant improvements relative to placebo in multiple measures of glycemic control, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, and oral glucose tolerance. In addition, serum triglycerides were significantly lower at the end of the four-week treatment period, and trends of meaningful reductions in body weight and blood pressure were observed. Importantly, LX4211 treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile and was well tolerated in the study. Also described in the paper was a subsequent clinical study conducted in a similar population of poorly-controlled patients with type 2 diabetes that showed LX4211 treatment elevated GLP-1 and PYY, two gastrointestinal peptides known to be associated with enhanced metabolic control. These elevations in GLP-1 levels after LX4211 treatment were previously suggested by data from the Phase 2a study and, hence, the repeated observation confirmed that LX4211 can act as an oral, GLP-1 secretagogue.
Lexicon recently reported top-line results from a Phase 2b double-blind study of LX4211 that extend favorable observations of the early trials to an out-patient setting in a larger population with a longer duration of therapy. The 12-week study was conducted at more than 50 centers in the United States in 299 patients with poorly-controlled diabetes despite treatment with metformin, an established diabetes therapy. Primary and secondary measures of efficacy from this study demonstrated substantial, dose-dependent, statistically-significant reductions in HbA1c, body weight and blood pressure. LX4211's dual inhibition of SGLT1 and 2 was associated with an overall favorable safety profile in the study and, notably, LX4211's inhibition of SGLT1 was associated with a favorable gastrointestinal safety profile similar to placebo.
About LexiconLexicon is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering breakthrough treatments for human disease. Lexicon currently has five drug programs in mid-stage development for diabetes, carcinoid syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and glaucoma, all of which were discovered by Lexicon's research team. Lexicon has used its proprietary gene knockout technology to identify more than 100 promising drug targets. Lexicon has focused drug discovery efforts on these biologically-validated targets to create its extensive pipeline of clinical and preclinical programs. For additional information about Lexicon and its programs, please visit www.lexpharma.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including statements relating to Lexicon's clinical development of LX4211, characterizations of the results of and projected timing of clinical trials of LX4211, and the potential therapeutic and commercial potential of LX4211. This press release also contains forward-looking statements relating to Lexicon's growth and future operating results, discovery and development of products, strategic alliances and intellectual property, as well as other matters that are not historical facts or information. All forward-looking statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and other important factors, specifically including those relating to Lexicon's ability to successfully conduct clinical development of LX4211 and preclinical and clinical development of its other potential drug candidates, advance additional candidates into preclinical and clinical development, obtain necessary regulatory approvals, achieve its operational objectives, obtain patent protection for its discoveries and establish strategic alliances, as well as additional factors relating to manufacturing, intellectual property rights, and the therapeutic or commercial value of its drug candidates, that may cause Lexicon's actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, results reported as trends were not statistically significant. Information identifying such important factors is contained under "Risk Factors" in Lexicon's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lexicon undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
CONTACT: D. Wade Walke, Ph.D., Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, +1-281-863-3046, wwalke@lexpharma.com

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Webcast: Supreme Court Decision & Healthcare Reform


Webcast: The Supreme Court Decision and Healthcare Reform

Full press release below.
SOURCE: The American College

BRYN MAWR, Pa.June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Regardless of whether the minimum essential coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act is declared constitutional, the Supreme Court decision that will be released tomorrow will have a profound impact on health insurance and the financial services industry.   
In an effort to help financial services professionals fully understand the implications of the court's ruling, The American College is sponsoring a free 30-minute informational webcast featuring the thoughts and analysis of Arthur Tacchino, JD, Assistant Professor of Health Insurance at The American College. The webcast is being held on Friday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. EDT and is open to everyone.  Participants need to pre-register at www.TheAmericanCollege.edu/ads/supreme-court-healthcare-mandate.
"This court decision will affect the way healthcare is delivered to every American.  Beyond this, the ruling will impact financial planning, retirement planning and the profitability of millions of companies.  Our webcast is essential for anyone who needs to fully understand the significant implications of this court decision," stated Dr. Larry Barton, CAP®, President and CEO of The American College. 
"Financial advisors want to know how healthcare reform will affect their clients and their business.  We've got the answers," continued Barton. "This webcast will provide participants with the practical information they need right now."
The American College is the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services.  Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others for over 85 years.  The American College's faculty represents some of the financial services industry's foremost thought leaders.  For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Arthur Tacchino
SOURCE The American College
 CONTACT: Eric B. Gordon, Assistant Vice President for Communications, +1-610-526-1450, Eric.Gordon@TheAmericanCollege.edu

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

6 Habits of Highly Unsuccessful ppl - repost


6 Habits of Highly Unsuccessful People
by Michele McGovern
Date: June 22, 2012
SOURCE: http://customercontactnews.com
No one wants to fail in the contact center. But some habits are telltale signs that success isn’t in the future.
To continue to succeed in your contact center, you’ll want to avoid these habits, which workplace expert Faith Wood has found are common traits of employees who often fail to succeed.
1.            Telling others they’re wrong. Calling attention to mistakes and missteps suggests you have infinite wisdom. Instead, unless you’re the boss, learn from others’ mistakes and offer help and advice only when asked for it.
2.            Ignoring criticism. Unsuccessful people often think no one knows better than them and their way is the only way. Instead, take constructive criticism with grace, use the offered ideas to improve how you operate.
3.            Being late. Making people wait for you to arrive (to work, for a meeting, on a conference call, etc.) sends a message that others’ time isn’t important. Instead, schedule yourself to be five minutes early for everything.
4.            Letting a cell phone interrupt. The ringing, buzzing, chiming and subsequent, “I better take this” are rude to those who are present. And so is texting while talking to people face-to-face. Instead, keep the phone on silence when in work settings.
5.            Shirking responsibility. Unsuccessful people often succeed at one thing – getting others to do their work. When they fail to do it, others must pick up the slack. Instead, ask for help or guidance when you need it. Plus, offer to help others who need it.
6.            Failing to apologize. Many unsuccessful people think they do no wrong, so they don’t need to apologize. Instead, acknowledge your mistakes and apologize to those affected by them.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

FDA News: High-Flow Microcatheter


Surefire Medical Receives FDA Clearance For High-Flow Microcatheter. Next Generation catheter system's infusion efficiency exceeds 99 percent; designed to significantly reduce backflow.

Full press release follows.
SOURCE: Surefire Medical Inc.

WESTMINSTER, Colo.June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Surefire Medical, Inc. announced today that it has received 510(k) FDA clearance to market the Surefire High-Flow Microcatheter, the next generation of the company's novel infusion technology.  The Surefire system is designed to deliver therapy with higher infusion efficiency than conventional microcatheters.
The Surefire microcatheter's unique expandable tip dynamically expands in reverse flow and collapses in forward flow.
Pre-clinical study results presented at the World Congress of Interventional Oncology (WCIO) in June 2011 found that the Surefire Infusion System achieved an average infusion efficiency of 99.1 % compared to 72.8% with a standard infusion catheter.
In addition, an abstract presented by John Louie, M.D. of Stanford University during the 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting for Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) stated, "In chemoembolization patients, completion C-arm CT imaging suggested a pattern of increased microsphere tumor penetration and contrast retention. In short term follow-up, no clinical evidence of non-target embolization was observed."
"Working with key interventional radiologists, our research and development team has created a highly trackable, sleek microcatheter designed to accommodate smaller vessels and selective procedures," said Jim Chomas, CEO of Surefire Medical. "The addition of the Surefire High-Flow Microcatheter will enable physicians to treat more patients with addressable disease."
Since launching in August 2011, the initial Surefire Infusion System has been used in 68 high-volume, top-tier hospitals, primarily in interventional procedures to treat primary and secondary liver cancer.
About Surefire Medical
Surefire Medical, Inc., based in Westminster, Colo., was founded in 2009 to develop a platform of innovative infusion systems for the interventional radiology market.  Surefire's infusion catheters precisely deliver embolic agents through a novel expandable tip that collapses in forward flow and dynamically expands to the vessel wall in reverse flow.  The Surefire Infusion System is designed to increase infusion efficiency and minimize reflux.  For more information, please visitwww.surefiremedical.com.

SOURCE Surefire Medical, Inc.
CONTACT: Jenna Clark, +1-303-717-2339, jenna.clark@surefiremedical.com

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Mobile Health News, 1:5 wireless devices projected to be healthcare-oriented by 2017


One in every 5 wireless devices are projected to be for healthcare deployment by 2017, according to ABI Research report. 
Full press release below.
SOURCE: ABI Research
LONDON--()--Small footprint, low-cost, low-power, and standardized wireless connectivity embedded in wearable devices will transform the lives and activities of millions of consumers and patients over the next five years as wearable wireless-enabled devices increasingly track an individual’s activity and condition.
“Body Area Networks for Sports and Healthcare”
A new wave of wearable devices are coming to market that will help track and share data from a range of activities and conditions. These devices will track the pace of someone’s daily run, recognize a fall that might have injured a senior, report the blood sugar level in a diabetic, and monitor the heart rate of a patient in hospital.
“The breadth of the potential for this market is not just drawing in consumer giants like Nike and Adidas and established healthcare players such as GE Healthcare and Philips, but a wealth of start-ups and specialist players looking to wearable wireless devices to enable a wide range of networked health applications and services,” says Jonathan Collins, principal analyst, navigation, telematics & M2M.
Over the next five years, the market for wearable wireless devices will grow to 169.5 million devices in 2017, up from 20.77 million in 2011, a CAGR of 41%. While the bulk of the device shipments will be in the consumer-oriented sports, fitness, and wellness market, wearable devices will increasingly be adopted across home monitoring and healthcare service applications as well.
“Remote patient monitoring and on-site professional healthcare use will represent just over 20 percent of the wearable wireless device market by 2017, up from less than half that in 2011. “As the devices can be worn and can upload collected data to the network automatically, collected data can not only be more regularly collected but also shared, analyzed, and acted on quicker and more efficiently that existing wired or manpower-laden techniques,” says Collins.
ABI Research’s report, “Body Area Networks for Sports and Healthcare,” (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1004149) examines the potential for devices and applications across a range of sports and healthcare applications, including analysis of a range of embedded technology options including short-range wireless and M2M connectivity.
ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

Contacts

ABI Research
Christine Gallen, Tel: +44.203.326.0142
pr@abiresearch.com

Oncology News: Indep DMC recs cont'd enrollment in Phase III trial


Oncolytics Announces Independent Data Monitoring Committee Recommends Continued Enrollment in Phase III Study of REOLYSIN® in Head and Neck Cancers Following Review of Safety Data.

Full press release follows.
SOURCE: Oncolytics Biotech Inc
CALGARYJune 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Oncolytics Biotech Inc. ("Oncolytics") (TSX: ONC) NASDAQ: ONCY) announced today that the Company's independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) has reviewed the safety data for the first stage of its Phase III trial of REOLYSIN in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for the treatment of head and neck cancers (REO 018). Based on the review of the safety data the DMC has recommended that enrollment continue in the study.
"The safety data from the first stage of the Phase III study met our expectations and confirms the positive safety data from our other clinical studies using REOLYSIN," said Dr. Brad Thompson, President and CEO of Oncolytics. "We will now focus our time and attention on conducting the statistical analysis of the efficacy of the first stage's patient population, which is forthcoming."
The study design stipulates that the study will proceed to full enrollment in Stage 2 (ranging from 100 to 400 additional patients) provided that the DMC concludes that safety data in Stage 1 is acceptable for continuation to Stage 2, and an independent statistical analysis of Progression-Free Survival (PFS, a measure of efficacy) in Stage 1 predicts probability of success in Stage 2. The data collection for this analysis is currently being performed.
The safety analysis was performed on the 80 patients enrolled in Stage 1 of the study, once every patient had sufficient follow up after starting treatment on the study (six weeks).  The statistical analysis will be performed once every patient has had sufficient follow up after starting treatment (12 weeks) to determine potential differences in PFS between the control and test arms of the study.
The study is a randomized, two-arm, double-blind, multi-centre, two-stage, adaptive Phase III trial assessing the intravenous administration of REOLYSIN with the chemotherapy combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin versus the chemotherapy alone in patients with metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, or squamous cell cancer of the nasopharynx, who have progressed on or after prior platinum-based chemotherapy. On April 2, 2012, the Company announced that enrollment in the non-adaptive, 80-patient first stage of the trial had been completed. Enrollment is currently underway in the adaptive second stage, which is designed to enroll between 100 and 400 patients. This adaptive trial design allows data evolution to determine if the probably of reaching a statically significant endpoint has been achieved. The trial is currently being conducted at more than 80 centres in 14 countries in North America and Europe, including the United States following an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) process with respect to the trial's design.
About Oncolytics Biote ch Inc.
Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics.  Oncolytics' clinical program includes a variety of human trials including a Phase III trial in head and neck cancers using REOLYSIN®, its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus. For further information about Oncolytics, please visit: www.oncolyticsbiotech.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements, including the Company's expectations related to the Phase III head and neck cancers trial, and the Company's belief as to the potential of REOLYSIN as a cancer therapeutic, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the efficacy of REOLYSIN as a cancer treatment, the tolerability of REOLYSIN outside a controlled test, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize REOLYSIN, uncertainties related to the research and development of pharmaceuticals and uncertainties related to the regulatory process. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
SOURCE Oncolytics Biotech Inc.
CONTACT:
The Equicom Group
Nick Hurst
300 5th Ave. SW, 10th Floor
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 3C4
Tel: 403.218.2835
Fax: 403.218.2830
nhurst@equicomgroup.com

IRG, LLC
Erika Moran
20th Floor, 1251 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY  10020
Tel:  212.825.3210
Fax:  212.825.3229
emoran@investorrelationsgroup.com

Monday, June 18, 2012

YMCA Innovation Grant to Test Cost Effectiveness of Diabetes Prevention Program Among Medicare Population


The Y Receives Innovation Grant to Test Cost Effectiveness of Diabetes Prevention Program Among Medicare Population. Demonstration project is expected to save Medicare program an estimated $4.2 million over 3 years and $53 million over six years.

Full press release follows.
SOURCE: YMCA of the USA

WASHINGTONJune 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national office of the Y and a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through healthy living, has been named as a preliminary awardee of a Health Care Innovation Award by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). Y-USA is being funded to demonstrate how an evidence-based prevention program delivered by a community-based organization can lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and reduce the cost burden of the disease on the health care system. 
The award, nearly $12 million over three years, will allow the Y to conduct a demonstration project in 17 communities across the nation to deliver the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program to 10,000 Medicare enrollees and assess cost savings to the nation's largest healthcare payer.  The project is estimated to save the Medicare program $4.2 million over three years and $53 million over six years.
"This award from CMMI represents a turning point in the evolution of our nation's health care system," said Neil Nicoll, president and chief executive officer of YMCA of the USA.  "It helps to shift the focus from a health care system that focuses on treatment to one that values prevention as a way to save health care dollars.  It also helps to define a role for community-based organizations, like the Y, as cost-effective providers and partners in our changing health care environment." 
The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led National Diabetes Prevention Program, is a 12-month evidence-based program that includes 16 weekly core sessions followed by monthly maintenance sessions. The program is delivered in a classroom setting by trained lifestyle coaches and provides a supportive environment where a small group of individuals work together to learn how healthier eating and increased physical activity can help reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Long-term program goals include reducing participants' body weight by 7 percent and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week.
Because research has shown that programs like the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce incidence of diabetes among Medicare-age individuals by about 70 percent (compared to 58 percent for younger individuals), the program has been identified as a promising approach in lowering Medicare expenditures.
The demonstration project will take place in 17 communities where the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is currently available, but will provide best practices and create an infrastructure for serving the Medicare population.  The funds will be used to: 
  • Reimburse Ys, on a pay for performance basis, for delivering the program to at least 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries
  • Help 17 Ys recruit and deliver the program to Medicare beneficiaries and track health outcomes for those individuals
  • Enhance technology platforms and call center infrastructure to determine and manage Medicare eligibility and process performance-based claims
  • Create a national roundtable of partners that will help drive systems changes to increase awareness and enrollment into the program
"CDC estimates that as many as 1 in 3 Americans could develop diabetes in coming years," says Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., director of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "Community-based, affordable solutions that have been proven to prevent type 2 diabetes are vital. The Y is a key partner in helping the National Diabetes Prevention Program organize those prevention efforts for Americans at high risk. Older Americans face the highest risk for type 2 diabetes, and the Y initiative for Medicare beneficiaries is a key step to making sure they have access to effective prevention programs."
CMMI is part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – the federal agency that administers the Medicare program (http://innovations.cms.gov/). CMMI fosters health care transformation by finding new ways to pay for and deliver care that both improve care and health outcomes while lowering costs. The Center identifies, develops, supports, and evaluates innovative models of payment and care service delivery for Medicare. 
In 2010, the Y began a partnership with the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (DPCA) – a subsidiary of Optum – and a collaboration with the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program. Through these shared efforts, the Y has been able to expand the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program from two Ys to 59 Ys in 29 states.  DPCA, the program's third party administrator, will play a significant role in developing and managing the technology infrastructure that will determine eligibility for the program, enroll Medicare beneficiaries into the program, and process claims.  The partnership with DPCA has resulted in multiple payers offering the program to its insureds, including UnitedHealthcare, which was the first private payer to offer the program as a benefit and reimburse Ys on a pay for performance basis.
The Y was an inaugural partner with the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program which is working to establish evidence-based lifestyle intervention programs in communities across the nation.
Leading non-profit organizations will partner with the Y in this effort, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, the National Association of City and County Health Officials, the National Council on Aging, and the National Council of La Raza.
"The American Diabetes Association is thrilled that the Y has been named as a preliminary awardee of the CMMI Health Care Innovation Award. This award will have a major impact in raising awareness for people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes, and providing them with the tools they need to prevent this disease and lead healthier lives," said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association. "The Association looks forward to joining together with national organizations across the country to make this demonstration project a success and ultimately to Stop Diabetes®."
The communities participating in the demonstration project are: 
ARIZONA:  PhoenixTucson
DELAWARE:  State of Delaware
FLORIDA: Clearwater; St. PetersburgTampa; Venice
INDIANAIndianapolis
MINNESOTAMinneapolis/St. Paul
NEW YORKNew York City
OHIOCincinnatiClevelandColumbusDayton
TEXASArlingtonDallasFort Worth 
"Diabetes is a major driver of health care costs in the United States. With CDC estimates predicting that one in three Americans will develop this disease by 2050, these costs will continue to grow.  It's imperative that we take action now to reverse this trend, and the Y is proud to be part of the solution" said Nicoll.
Visit YMCA.net/diabetes-prevention to learn more about the program, find out if it is available at your Y and see if you qualify.   To learn more about the Y's commitment to healthy living visitYMCA.net/healthy-living/
About the YThe Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.  ymca.net  
Contact:Kelly Kennai YMCA of the USA 1-800-932-9622Kelly.Kennai@ymca.net
SOURCE YMCA of the USA
Web Site: http://www.ymca.net 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Seeking PR-Comms Project Manager Sub-Contractor for Health Corporation in Northridge CA


Nature Made, located in Northridge CA,  is seeking a Project Manager Freelancer/Sub-Contractor for a 4-month, onsite assignment, starting in August-Dec 2012. Information is below. If interested, please email your resume & apply directly to Vanessa Hughes, email: vhughes@pharmavite.net



Nature Made and FamilyDoctor.Org Consumer Alliance Partnership
Project Manager Role & Responsibilities


Overview
  • The goal of the Consumer Alliance Partnership is to educate physicians and consumers on the importance and benefits of incorporating vitamins and supplements into their daily lives and to position Nature Made as the most credible brand in the category.
  • Client service is critical in all aspects of this role. The project manager (PM), while placed in-house at Pharmavite, it is key to remember that Pharmavite is a client and must be serviced as one would a client in all communications and interactions. In addition, the AAFP relationship should be managed in the same manner, always addressing them as if they were a client. This level of service is the foundation of the role.

Role:
  • The PM is the primary point of contact for communications between Pharmavite and the AAFP. The PM works closely with Marcus Ginnaty of Porter Novelli, copying him on all communications so as to ensure there are no gaps in Porter Novelli’s servicing of the partnership.
  • The PM is also the internal “face” of the FamilyDoctor.org Consumer Alliance Partnership program and—along with Carolyn Sabatini—is responsible for the development and execution of the program, as well as frequently communicating the successes of the program to key internal stakeholders. As the “face” of the partnership, the PM must demonstrate a professional level of knowledge of the role and value of the partnership when discussing with the internal Pharmavite team.

·       The PM must be comfortable working directly with high-ranking corporate officers (Pharmavite culture necessitates interaction with executives up to the CEO level; must be prepared and confident in these interactions).



Responsibilities:
  • Manage the execution of all aspects of the partnership. Primary day-to-day responsibilities include:
    • Constant communication (via email and phone) with Marcus Ginnaty and Carolyn Sabatini to ensure all team members are briefed on partnership status and updates.
    • Two weekly calls (via teleconference, allowing for calls to be taken in the office or from a quiet location)
    • Initiate job request forms for all projects at Pharmavite and/or Porter Novelli that contain the FamilyDoctor.org logo or reference the partnership.
      • Handle all elements of this approval process (e.g., keeping deadlines in check, needed revisions or changes, final approval communicated to all)
    • Keep all paperwork filed appropriately on Pharmavite’s I Drive
      • Includes approval paperwork, art work and all documents received from Pharmavite, Porter Novelli and AAFP

·       Develop and maintain relationships with key Pharmavite team members across several departments:

o   Marketing

o   Shopper Marketing

o   Consumer & Professional Educations

o   Science & Technology

o   Art Department

·       Consistently contact marketing and shopper marketing to identify opportunities to leverage the partnership and place the FamilyDoctor.org logo on marketing and advertising materials

  • Review/edit work from Porter Novelli
  • Work with outside vendors to create and execute creative materials

 

Required Skills:

·       Quick learner (must intake a large amount of information about both the partnership and Pharmavite)

·       Organization (manage various partnership elements and projects at one time)

·       Self-starter (initiate outreach to key players)

·       Meticulous attention to detail

·       Communication/team player

·       Strong writing and editing skills (AP style preferred)

·       Basic knowledge of PR/media/marketing

·       Presentation/PowerPoint basic skills

 

Required Commitment

·       Approximately 20-25 hours per week from August – December 2012

·       Training week: July 30 – August 3, 2012

·       At least 3 days per week in office (4 days, when needed)—Flexible hours

·       Blackberry for checking emails (critical to check emails during business hours and on days out of office)

·       Tuesday 9:00 AM conf call with Porter Novelli and Pharmavite

·       Thursday 9:00 AM conf call with AAFP

·       Weekly activity reports


TO APPLY: Vanessa Hughes, email vhughes@pharmavite.net
Pharmavite LLC
Office: (818) 221-6646