According to Cutting Edge Information Research, Establishing a Global Medical Affairs Structure Poses Several Challenges but Greater Benefits

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - September 19, 2008) - According to Cutting Edge Information's 2008 report, "Medical Affairs: Delivering Strategic Value" (www.pharmamedicalaffairs.com), the challenges inherent in the creation of a global medical affairs structure, imposing though they may be, must not bar a company from establishing one.

The increasing importance of the medical affairs function has led to the formation of departments within every regional office. Trying to unite several functions within one locale is difficult enough, and uniting functions scattered across the globe can sometimes be a nightmare -- but it must be done. The benefits such a structure can bring to a company far outweigh any initial complications.

One major advantage to a global structure is the unified strategy that every regional affiliate follows. With all involved parties working in the same mindset, resources can easily be shared among the various medical affairs groups. Also, communication among the affiliates and up the corporate structure flows more smoothly. Even more important, experiential knowledge can be transferred from group to group to better strengthen existing departments and bolster fledgling functions.

There are, of course, hurdles to successfully globalizing medical affairs. One of the most difficult challenges stems from regional departments needing to focus on global issues that may be far removed from the many regional tasks right in front of them. "Even so, companies have to look at globalizing the function," says Elio Evangelista, research manager at Cutting Edge Information. "A unified function able to streamline processes amongst regional affiliates will accomplish its duties more efficiently and utilize fewer resources while keeping its company compliant."

"Medical Affairs: Delivering Strategic Value" tackles several issues medical affairs teams face in setting up a globalized structure, as well as budget and staffing benchmarks and specific strategies in place as several companies. Based on interviews with industry executives, the report provides several best practices, which detail how leading companies adapt and thrive commercially while still remaining compliant. The study offers strategies for how medical affairs teams can improve internal communication and coordination, as well as negotiate effectively for additional resources. Download a complimentary brochure for the study or purchase the report at: www.pharmamedicalaffairs.com.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Elio Evangelista 919-433-0214