This year's Ad Stars showcases 12 agencies behind some of industry's most captivating work. From fierce grizzly bears battling fungal infections to children's doodles erasing pink eye, this year's pharma marketing tools prove that drug ads can be smart, educational, and (even in these dark times) strike a smile.

For our fifth annual Ad Stars, the Pharm Exec staff reviewed not only pitches that informed and connected with patients and doctors, but also those that inspired reps and caught the attention of consumers on couches across America. In the following pages, you'll find ads that reflect each of these components, along with agency stars who brilliantly wedded concept to message.

2008 Ad Stars:

• AbelsonTaylor for Amgen/Wyeth PsA
• AbelsonTaylor for Astellas's AmBisome
  
• AgencyRx for Novartis's Femara
  
• Corbett for Alcon's Vigamox
  
• Flashpoint Medica for Indevus Pharmaceuticals's Supprelin LA
  
• GSW Worldwide for MGI Pharma/Eisai's PONV
  
• ICC for Sanofi Pasteur's TravelWise Program
  
• Saatchi & Saatchi for Sanofi-Aventis's Ambien CR
  
• TBWA\WorldHealth for Schering-Plough's NuvaRing
  
• Topin & Associates for Dusa's ClindaReach
  
• Torre Lazur McCann for BMS & Sanofi Aventis's Plavix
  
• Wishbone for Barrier Thearpeutic's Vusion