Docs say Merck has best reputation

More than 13,000 physicians in 24 specialty groups recognized Merck as having the best overall reputation among pharmaceutical companies, according to a new report from IMS America, Somerset, NJ, and the Plymouth Group, Plymouth Meeting, PA.

Merck was also named best overall company by doctors in nine individual specialties, including general and family practitioners, internists, general surgeons, infectious disease specialists, cardiologists, nephrologists, orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists and urologists.

The recent launches of three major products - Cozaar, Fosamax and Proscar - were influential in securing Merck its win. The growing popularity of its drugs Zocor and Vasotec may have factored in the report's results as well.

Companies were judged according to four attributes: research and development efforts, product line, educational programs and value-added services.

Physicians also evaluated the performances of pharmaceutical sales forces by their knowledge, professional style, service and sample availability.

The combined response from the 24: Astra-Merck's sales force took top honors among all physicians in every one of the four evaluation categories. It was also named by physicians as one of the two most familiar sales forces. PR