Marketing and Management in BioTechnology

Drug development is not a simple process. The process is more comprehensible if an individual joins a project team at its inception rather than as a replacement team member, as is often the case. It is at the initial team meetings that the core development strategy is decided. Successful drug development depends on the quality of the development strategy.

Ultimately, successful drug development is about translating science into an optimal investment proposal that provides value to a variety of stakeholders and customers. This can be achieved only by establishing a strategy that recognizes who the customers for new medicines are and addresses their needs. This will mean moving increasingly from designing "for" to designing "with" the customer.

Most countries have experienced significant changes to health care in recent years, and change is expected to continue in the future. Probably the greatest challenge to be faced will be the expectation that new medicines will be not only safe and effective, but will also be cost effective in the overall context of disease management. The role of management and marketing is essential in achieving these objectives.

Our Management and Marketing course is intended to give both general and specific information and guidelines to help manage pharmaceutical projects in a biopharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing environment. This program is designed to provide a focused course of study for individuals seeking to position themselves in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry as project managers and marketing specialists. It will also provide knowledge and skills in Good Laboratory, Clinical and Manufacturing Practices.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the roles/responsibilities of both the pharmaceutical project manager and the marketing specialist in the pharmaceutical industry. This program was created to provide you with the key aspects, differences, challenges, job criteria and demands, and industry expectations in this field. Course content will focus on key concepts and information essential to effectively function in the pharmaceutical / biotechnological industrial arena. This course can open doors to new and exciting career opportunities in pharmaceutical management and marketing as the demand for qualified and trained specialists is still growing.

For example, Project Manager Functions in clinical trials project might include:

1. Clarification of requirements with the client.

2. Project Planning, to coordinate activities and organizational entities to keep projects on track

3. Evaluation of risks

4. Reporting of key stages to top management

5. Evaluation of patient numbers, data quality, GCP standards in Study Centers

6. IRBs / EC (centers covered and time scales)

7. Protocol approval, regulatory approval, appointment of CRAs

8. External suppliers: CRF printing, CROs, investigative drugs manufacturing, bulk, placebo manufacturing, drug packaging, central laboratory, contract biometrics

9. Financial management skills to estimate and monitor budgets.

10. Start project and monitor rigorously until completion

11. Mentor project team members with respect to project and program management

The responsibilities of a Marketing Manager might include:

1. Developing and implementing marketing strategies with the client;

2. Monitoring, analyzing and interpreting market trends;

3. Planning and executing marketing communications and promotional material; and

4. Working in a team environment to develop marketing strategies, tactics and activities.

Work Conditions

* Typical starting salaries range from $ 40,000 to $ 60,000 USD

* Typical salaries with 3 and more years of experience range from $60,000 to $ 90,000 USD

* Salaries vary quite widely from company to company. A car is generally provided and bonuses may be paid.
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* Jobs are found in restricted locations. Some work is localized (company laboratory) and some are regionally based.

Entry Requirements

The relevant degree subject area for a career in clinical marketing and management is post-secondary education in marketing or commerce. A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is beneficial, as is a degree in a life sciences area.

Skills employers generally seek for clinical marketing and management positions include:

· A strong business perspective, particularly in market strategy and product development;

· Demonstrated organizational and administrative skills;

· Conceptual and strategic thinking;

· Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills; and

· Ability to work in a team environment;

Typical Employers

You would either be employed directly by pharmaceutical companies or by contract research organizations (CRO - agencies which employ clinical research staff to contract out to pharmaceutical companies).