HIV-GSK

[Anonymous]

GSK's HIV division is a sinking ship, and has been so for quite some time. I think they were caught way off guard not only by the lackluster takeoff of Lexiva, but also Epzicom. They seemingly underestimated competitors since they had been on top for a while with Combivir. Now GSK resorts to pathetic consumer advertising that resorts to scare tactics (which not only didn't work but seemed to have backfired). Game over, GSK - you lose.

[Anonymous]

Someone needs to be held accountable for the demise of the HIV division at GSK. And perhaps that person or people should be managed out as a consequence. When I was there they managed many people out, often for no reason.

The management and VPs are a bunch of losers. My advice, get out before you regret it. I did and am so much better off.

Is that nellie queen Jerry still there?

[Anonymous]

This whole MI noise around Ziagen is sad for the patients but hilarious for GSK. All of the competition bashing you guys do......for starters---renal, renal, renal---- has come full circle to bite them right in the ass.

[Anonymous]

I couldn't agree more. GSK is an absolute loser company, lower than scum. All of its recent advertising involves nothing more than scare tactics. From the ads about kidneys to brochures about acid reducers (going after market leaders Truvada and Reyataz), you people are beyond scum. If you work for this loser company, you should shake your head in shame.

[Anonymous]

This is surprising to you? GSK has lost its leadership in HIV many years ago. OLD NEWS

[Anonymous]

This whole MI noise around Ziagen is sad for the patients but hilarious for GSK. All of the competition bashing you guys do......for starters---renal, renal, renal---- has come full circle to bite them right in the ass.

Karma. If this isn't proof, I don't know what is. Ziagen has been around for 10 years now, and this is just now coming to light? This is bad news for patients, big time. It's also bad news for GSK - let's see how they try to downplay or even bury this one.

[Anonymous]

Karma. If this isn't proof, I don't know what is. Ziagen has been around for 10 years now, and this is just now coming to light? This is bad news for patients, big time. It's also bad news for GSK - let's see how they try to downplay or even bury this one.

Probably just like the way they bury their employees..............in shit. Just ask the wicked witch of the northwest RM, she has a group grave for all of us. I like to come back periodically and warn everyone to watch there back from that psycho RM.

[Anonymous]

Probably just like the way they bury their employees..............in shit. Just ask the wicked witch of the northwest RM, she has a group grave for all of us. I like to come back periodically and warn everyone to watch there back from that psycho RM.


Apparently she did not bury you deep enough because you Zombies (dead and without souls) just will not go away. Your retoric is old and tired...for goodness sake YOU must be tired of this! I know many of the rest of us are. Please go away.

Signed - not RM - not a member of her region - not a manager of any type in the HIV division - just a person that has had enough of your whining.

[Anonymous]

Apparently she did not bury you deep enough because you Zombies (dead and without souls) just will not go away. Your retoric is old and tired...for goodness sake YOU must be tired of this! I know many of the rest of us are. Please go away.

Signed - not RM - not a member of her region - not a manager of any type in the HIV division - just a person that has had enough of your whining.

RM is without a soul and your division is dead! HA HA HA HA HA!

[Anonymous]

Apparently she did not bury you deep enough because you Zombies (dead and without souls) just will not go away. Your retoric is old and tired...for goodness sake YOU must be tired of this! I know many of the rest of us are. Please go away.

Signed - not RM - not a member of her region - not a manager of any type in the HIV division - just a person that has had enough of your whining.

Then get off our post, you piece of trash wannabe.

[Anonymous]

February 19, 2008, 3:39 pm
Glaxo Cuts Prices on AIDS Drugs for the Poor
Posted by Jeanne Whalen
GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s biggest makers of HIV drugs, said it is cutting prices of its HIV drugs in the world’s poorest countries, marking its fifth rollback since 1997.

Prices of 14 Glaxo HIV medicines will fall an average of 21%, the company said. Glaxo sells its HIV drugs at cost in 64 of the world’s poorest countries. The company said improvements in manufacturing and the availability of cheaper raw ingredients have made the latest round of price cuts possible.

The deepest cut will be on Ziagen, whose liquid form the World Health Organization recommends for use in children. Ziagen’s price will drop by 40% to $15.08 per pack or 50 cents a day. The most costly drug, called Lexiva, will have a new price of $3.35 a day, after a 20% reduction, Glaxo said. Glaxo had global sales of HIV drugs of £1.4 billion last year.

Glaxo and other drugmakers have been under pressure to make their drugs more affordable in the developing world. J.P. Garnier, Glaxo’s soon-to-retire CEO, told the WSJ last year that he “always wanted to have access as part of the DNA of the company.” He added, “I never wanted to just close my eyes to the fact that 80% of the population won’t be able to afford the drugs. Because that’s the truth — 80% of the market for pharmaceuticals comes from 20% of the world-wide population. I’m not going to be CEO of a company that just works for rich countries. And even within rich countries, by the way, you have holes in the safety net that are part of the equation.”

For HIV medicines, he said last year, the non-for-profit pricing of Glaxo’s HIV drugs has meant “roughly a million patients being treated, mostly in Africa.”


Comments
Report offensive comments to healthblog@wsj.com
Oh the hypocrisy of JP Garnier, is not only laughable, but sad! Back in 2001 you must remember how GSK kept HIV meds away from Africa, not allowing Generic manufacturing of their meds to the ones that needed them most! Why? Greed pure and simple! You criminal Garnier, you belong in a US Federal Prison with a well endowed HIV positive cell mate!

Comment by Colorado Kid - February 19, 2008 at 4:30 pm
JP Garnier is a fool…he knows that what he says is a big lie and he believes it anyway

Comment by zjc - February 19, 2008 at 11:47 pm
JP Garnier is a lying, thieving criminal, whether it comes to his conduct with Paxil, Avandia, Lotronex, Baychol or any other useless me too drug with severe adverse events. Remember how GSK was the first to deny older Americans and the poor access to Canadian Drugs? They stated the quality control was poor, while at the same time making drugs in a rat infested plant in Puerto Rico, that had to be shut down because of poorly made and sometimes deadly product. Garnier is out for one person, himself and his image. He drove GSK into the ground, has delayed generic competition- by filing frivilous lawsuits, had to pay 13 billion in tax evasion charges (and still owes more), and is knee deep in well known Federal investigations over GSK practices. This is a sociopath that really believes he is helping humanity. It is a little late, Garnier-millions have died all over the world because of your tactics and schemes. May you rot in hell. Corporate Integrity agreements that GSK was forced to sign to remain in business are a joke, and Garnier is the one still laughing.

[Anonymous]

Then get off our post, you piece of trash wannabe.

I am an employee of GSK, and a CS in the HIV division, so this is my web site. If you are one of the Zombies (dead and no soul) that does not work for GSK amy more (or maybe never), then get off the site.

I do not like your tone, and I totally resent being called a "piece or trash wannabe," when I am a piece of trash.

[Anonymous]

February 19, 2008, 3:39 pm
Glaxo Cuts Prices on AIDS Drugs for the Poor
Posted by Jeanne Whalen
GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s biggest makers of HIV drugs, said it is cutting prices of its HIV drugs in the world’s poorest countries, marking its fifth rollback since 1997.

Prices of 14 Glaxo HIV medicines will fall an average of 21%, the company said. Glaxo sells its HIV drugs at cost in 64 of the world’s poorest countries. The company said improvements in manufacturing and the availability of cheaper raw ingredients have made the latest round of price cuts possible.

The deepest cut will be on Ziagen, whose liquid form the World Health Organization recommends for use in children. Ziagen’s price will drop by 40% to $15.08 per pack or 50 cents a day. The most costly drug, called Lexiva, will have a new price of $3.35 a day, after a 20% reduction, Glaxo said. Glaxo had global sales of HIV drugs of £1.4 billion last year.

Glaxo and other drugmakers have been under pressure to make their drugs more affordable in the developing world. J.P. Garnier, Glaxo’s soon-to-retire CEO, told the WSJ last year that he “always wanted to have access as part of the DNA of the company.” He added, “I never wanted to just close my eyes to the fact that 80% of the population won’t be able to afford the drugs. Because that’s the truth — 80% of the market for pharmaceuticals comes from 20% of the world-wide population. I’m not going to be CEO of a company that just works for rich countries. And even within rich countries, by the way, you have holes in the safety net that are part of the equation.”

For HIV medicines, he said last year, the non-for-profit pricing of Glaxo’s HIV drugs has meant “roughly a million patients being treated, mostly in Africa.”


Comments
Report offensive comments to healthblog@wsj.com
Oh the hypocrisy of JP Garnier, is not only laughable, but sad! Back in 2001 you must remember how GSK kept HIV meds away from Africa, not allowing Generic manufacturing of their meds to the ones that needed them most! Why? Greed pure and simple! You criminal Garnier, you belong in a US Federal Prison with a well endowed HIV positive cell mate!

Comment by Colorado Kid - February 19, 2008 at 4:30 pm
JP Garnier is a fool…he knows that what he says is a big lie and he believes it anyway

Comment by zjc - February 19, 2008 at 11:47 pm
JP Garnier is a lying, thieving criminal, whether it comes to his conduct with Paxil, Avandia, Lotronex, Baychol or any other useless me too drug with severe adverse events. Remember how GSK was the first to deny older Americans and the poor access to Canadian Drugs? They stated the quality control was poor, while at the same time making drugs in a rat infested plant in Puerto Rico, that had to be shut down because of poorly made and sometimes deadly product. Garnier is out for one person, himself and his image. He drove GSK into the ground, has delayed generic competition- by filing frivilous lawsuits, had to pay 13 billion in tax evasion charges (and still owes more), and is knee deep in well known Federal investigations over GSK practices. This is a sociopath that really believes he is helping humanity. It is a little late, Garnier-millions have died all over the world because of your tactics and schemes. May you rot in hell. Corporate Integrity agreements that GSK was forced to sign to remain in business are a joke, and Garnier is the one still laughing.

GSK gets what they deserve. They are all phony and cruel, very mean group of individuals. Just out for the money and not the patient. God bless the internet where the truth can be told.

[Anonymous]

I left the division a while back, and am stunned and the major changes since I have left. Most of the people that I knew from the division are gone, but like cockroaches who manage to survive no matter what, everyone's favorite psychopath idiot RM is still around. WTF???

[Anonymous]

Rumor has it...............more bad news for abacavir. You guys stayed tuned now.

[Anonymous]

Rumor has it...............more bad news for abacavir. You guys stayed tuned now.

Hey Moron...I mean Marlon,

How do you spell failure, I spell it ACTG....Let's see you spin this one you idiot.

[Anonymous]

Hey Moron...I mean Marlon,

How do you spell failure, I spell it ACTG....Let's see you spin this one you idiot.

Failure + death (HSR & MI) = 0% market share


There are plenty of other options which are preferable even without the bagage.
You guys better polish up the resumes.

[Anonymous]

Poor GSK - HIV division. You guys can't seem to catch a break!
It started with your loser drug, Trizivir. Then it continued with your loser drug Lexiva. Now, even Epzicom is a loser!!!!

[Anonymous]

Poor GSK - HIV division. You guys can't seem to catch a break!
It started with your loser drug, Trizivir. Then it continued with your loser drug Lexiva. Now, even Epzicom is a loser!!!!

With 3TC going generic, I would be surprised if the division will be around in 3 years.

[Anonymous]

Remember the door speech Marlon gave! "Your not a bad person if you choose the Gilead door", but it turned out that if you listened to the robot and chose the GSK door you fucked up.

[Anonymous]

With 3TC going generic, I would be surprised if the division will be around in 3 years.

Yeah, 3TC is such a revenue generator in 2008. You are a fucking moron - this isn't 1995, dumbass.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, 3TC is such a revenue generator in 2008. You are a fucking moron - this isn't 1995, dumbass.

Hey Einstein, in case you didn't realize it, 3TC is part of Combivir. Now, take one generic drug (AZT) and another in 2009 (3TC when it goes generic) and it will allow generic companies to make copycats of Combivir. Question for you, braniac: do you think Glaxo will be able to reap the almost billion $ or so in revenue from Combivir when it can be bought by ADAP, the government, insurance companies for 1/10 the price that Glaxo charges? Let's see, 3TC is also in Trizivir and Epzicom...that just about decimates the whole HIV franchise doesn't it? Now who is the f****** moron? YOU!

[Anonymous]

Hey Einstein, in case you didn't realize it, 3TC is part of Combivir. Now, take one generic drug (AZT) and another in 2009 (3TC when it goes generic) and it will allow generic companies to make copycats of Combivir. Question for you, braniac: do you think Glaxo will be able to reap the almost billion $ or so in revenue from Combivir when it can be bought by ADAP, the government, insurance companies for 1/10 the price that Glaxo charges? Let's see, 3TC is also in Trizivir and Epzicom...that just about decimates the whole HIV franchise doesn't it? Now who is the f****** moron? YOU!

No, the moron is still you. Combivir has been declining rapidly since Viread was approved. Today, people are either going to go on Truvada or Epzicom as the NRTI backbone, not Combivir. When 3TC goes generic, that will have minimal impact on Epzicom, since docs aren't going to break up that regimen. Besides, with the new data on heart attacks with abacavir, the new data on the ACTG data with Epzicom vs. Truvada, the only thing that is going to decimate GSK's HIV francise is this - SHITTY DRUGS!!!! Lexiva is a dog drug that will decline even more and now Epzicom's goose is cooked. I stand by my words - you are a dumbass that is either stupid and/or drunk on GSK Kool-Aid.

[Anonymous]

Did the RSD's really lose their jobs or were they reassigned? We don't hear very much about what goes on over in the HIV division.



I think they were "de-selected"...love that term. Kinda like being un-hired...but god forbid they were laid - off or fired. The way they leak out these massive waves of dismissals is pretty crafty...harder to see the desrtruction they have brought on the company that way...

[Anonymous]

They are not called MANAGERS you jackass, they are called Regional Sales Directors. You don't know what the hell you are talking about, 2 RSDs lost their jobs.

Managing 12 reps used to be a District Manager...title inflation costs GSK nothing so that is why they do it. Some people value it and think they are extra special...meanwhile, no more meat on the table, just a word.

[Anonymous]

Nice, and what about the co-formulation with epzicom and the failing TMC-125?

Boy, that's exciting. Why don't they combine it with cranberries, they haven't tried that yet

[Anonymous]

Have Marti SC and Randle L left the virology dept? If so, where did they go?
Good luck to all!
a Former Team Member

Randall left a while ago, working now on a liposomal Tenofovir. I think Marti still clings on

[Anonymous]

Wow, the "Slow Start" meeting must have been inspiring. What product has Pete licenced in for the team to sell? After giving up on the aplaviroc, brecanavir and now the integrase inhibitor, does anyone know what the heck there will be to promote when lamivudine is gone?

He has been on so many job interviews and has been turned down so many times it is almost sad. Sightings all over the place...people calling for references...what can you say in his defense? He has presided over one of the biggest collapses in pharma history.

[Anonymous]

Glad GSK is finally getting what's coming to them. You idiots have spent the last few years doing nothing more than trying to scare patients away from Viread and Reyataz. Ironically, I don't see Gilead buying ads advising patients of increased risk of MI's, death from HSR, or a lack of efficacy in patients with high viral loads from ACTG study.

[Anonymous]

Bad KARMA - you people need to run for your lifes. MP and PH ruined a great division.

[Anonymous]

Whatever or whoever is to blame, the fact remains: GSK's HIV division is in serious trouble. With data pointing to ihigher adverse events and inferior results with abacavir-containing regimens vs. tenofovir based regimens, it is going to be very difficult to get providers to prescribe Epzicom. Lexiva is going nowhere but down, esp. with Prezista gaining momentum in the PI class, and excitement about Merck's integrase, Isentress. What does GSK have left?

[Anonymous]

Whatever or whoever is to blame, the fact remains: GSK's HIV division is in serious trouble. With data pointing to ihigher adverse events and inferior results with abacavir-containing regimens vs. tenofovir based regimens, it is going to be very difficult to get providers to prescribe Epzicom. Lexiva is going nowhere but down, esp. with Prezista gaining momentum in the PI class, and excitement about Merck's integrase, Isentress. What does GSK have left?

What GSK has left is a bunch of losers in RTP that have horrible business sense. All MP knew how to do when I was there was to talk out of his ass at meetings and manage reps out.

I remember that sound business advise that MP gave at a meeting some years ago. Epivir had a QD indication and MP wanted a 0% market despite the market moving in that direction. What a hillbilly in charge of a sinking BID company. You wanted a 0% QD portfolio, well you still have it LOL

Is the turnover still ridiculously high! I hope everybody that was worth anything got out like I did.

[Anonymous]

I have never ever seen a division within this industry that has so many enemies. Why is this?

[Anonymous]

I have never ever seen a division within this industry that has so many enemies. Why is this?

Because it is an obnoxious division with obnoxious reps and obnoxious management. Throw in that the marketing dept uses nothing more than loser scare tactics against other brands, and you have a truly loser company and division that is hated.

[Anonymous]

I have never ever seen a division within this industry that has so many enemies. Why is this?


Part of it is because this division used to be #1 in HIV in terms of product portfolio, however they lost this position about a decade ago, yet many feel they are arrogant.

Part of it is because the leadership of the division is considered extremely weak by many of its reps, but try to hammer the reps when the sales don't come in for its newer products.

Part of it is because the turnover is so high (see #2 reason as for the explanation of high turnover) and left with bitter feelings towards the division.

Part of it is just because of karma. Witness good news: HLAB5701, DHHS guidelines, quickly followed by DAD, ACTG data.

[Anonymous]

What GSK has left is a bunch of losers in RTP that have horrible business sense. All MP knew how to do when I was there was to talk out of his ass at meetings and manage reps out.

I remember that sound business advise that MP gave at a meeting some years ago. Epivir had a QD indication and MP wanted a 0% market despite the market moving in that direction. What a hillbilly in charge of a sinking BID company. You wanted a 0% QD portfolio, well you still have it LOL

Is the turnover still ridiculously high! I hope everybody that was worth anything got out like I did.

MP doesn't manage out reps, he makes his henchman do it. In fact, the managers are so weak, they will grab their ankles for MP.

[Anonymous]

I think the above post is on to something. Obviously, MP is a weak manager. He keeps a psychotic loser as a manager in the SF Bay area, who EVERYONE, including customers, detests. The prevailing thought is that she has something on him, but even so, he does seem to make other people do his dirty work.

Regarding the attitude of the division, I feel strongly that upper management within GSK does feel like it's 1998 instead of 2008. Combivir and Trizivir are almost dead, Lexiva will never grow to anything significant, and with more bad news regarding abacavir, Epzicom will be lucky to maintain what it has. Arrogance, greed, and unrealistic expectations have ruined the division, and it's unlikely it will recover. For now, Gilead and BMS are the leaders, but Tibotec is trying to take a bite out of their business.

[Anonymous]

Agree that MP is weak. Why keep so many week managers around (SF example). Question is why does MP not get the axe or get "asked" to move to something else? Is PH that weak also? Seems like there is no effort being made to create new HIV drugs. Maybe the idea is that they want a group of dictators to squeeze as much profit as they can from what remains of the HIV franchise and then call it a day? If that's the case then it makes sense to keep the harsh management and try to whip the horses (reps) as hard as they can to keep producing. Eventually they die out and quit, but who cares if they are just trying to max out whatever revenue they can before they are completely decimated by Gilead and Tibotec

[Anonymous]

The old school of thought was thought GSK's HIV division had masterful marketers. In retrospect, I don't think that was the case. The products back then were the best - 3TC in particular. Combivir was accepted so universally because its only competition was d4T, and even that drug did well. Marketing didn't seem to use the scare tactics back then that are almost ONLY used by GSK now, so that is a big difference as well. Now, not only does marketing suck, but so do the products. 3TC got the division a longer life than it deserved.

[Anonymous]

Agree that MP is weak. Why keep so many week managers around (SF example). Question is why does MP not get the axe or get "asked" to move to something else? Is PH that weak also? Seems like there is no effort being made to create new HIV drugs. Maybe the idea is that they want a group of dictators to squeeze as much profit as they can from what remains of the HIV franchise and then call it a day? If that's the case then it makes sense to keep the harsh management and try to whip the horses (reps) as hard as they can to keep producing. Eventually they die out and quit, but who cares if they are just trying to max out whatever revenue they can before they are completely decimated by Gilead and Tibotec

What is hysterical is MP and the rest of the managers think they are the bomb when in actuality they are all worthless, useless, arrogant bullies.

I love coming back to this thread periodically, it reinforces that I made the right decision.

[Anonymous]

What is hysterical is MP and the rest of the managers think they are the bomb when in actuality they are all worthless, useless, arrogant bullies.

I love coming back to this thread periodically, it reinforces that I made the right decision.

Me too (ex-GSK HIV 2003)

[Anonymous]

I left the division several years ago. When I was there, it really did seem to be a pretty cohesive group of people, and the strategies didn't seem obnoxious at all. As I talk to former colleagues and physicians about the HIV division now, they typically comment that the reps, managers, and marketing personnel are overly aggressive, pushy, put them on the spot, and what seems to be a theme from so many postings on this thread - losing major credibility with scare tactics to go after competitive drugs.

[Anonymous]

I am convinced that Marlon is a cyborg. This guy is like a robot that has zero charisma, zero personality, zero presentation skills, zero stage presence and is leading this franchise to zero share in the HIV disease state. PEOPLE LAUGH AT HIM.

[Anonymous]

The real marketing "genius" was to combine AZT/3TC in one pill...at the time the thought leaders believed that FDC were of little/no use in HIV, similar to how poorly FDC have done in other disease states. However GW pushed on and did change HIV because of combining these two meds. However, that was >10 years ago. Since then, the R&D has come up with nothing, and it is correct that the leadership is considered extremely weak, starting with PH, MP and the robots below him.

Marketing was never strong at this division, and has only gotten worse. Denial of any lipoatrophy differences with NUCs (who is that kook in COM marketing?) only denies the opportunity to differentiate Epzicom from Combivir, the cute, but not quite with it Fran with Trizivir had SOS selling TZV for induction-maintenance after 5095-unbelievable! It clearly could have had a great niche in salvage, but to try to sell it as first-line (with EFV or a boosted PI then remove the 4th agent) was ludicrious.

The scare tactics of EPZ (HEAT showed no difference in renal effects despite "stacking the deck" against TRU) just alienate treaters from GSK, and by the way the PPI are gonna render ATV useless!! Right. Spending $20 million on KLEAN only showed that LPV/r has a terrible lipid profile (BMS says thank you!) was another stroke of marketing genius.

Solution would be to cut the sales force by at least 70% (wait till I get another job, though; or at least give me a great severence), stop wasting money on worthless speaker programs and rake in the money from whatever is left in sales from COM, TZV and EPZ. Dump Lexiva since another company gets a large cut of the profits. And then fold up the tent and call it a day when 3TC goes generic because that will kill COM, TZV. Just my opinon though.

[Anonymous]

The real marketing "genius" was to combine AZT/3TC in one pill...at the time the thought leaders believed that FDC were of little/no use in HIV, similar to how poorly FDC have done in other disease states. However GW pushed on and did change HIV because of combining these two meds. However, that was >10 years ago. Since then, the R&D has come up with nothing, and it is correct that the leadership is considered extremely weak, starting with PH, MP and the robots below him.

Marketing was never strong at this division, and has only gotten worse. Denial of any lipoatrophy differences with NUCs (who is that kook in COM marketing?) only denies the opportunity to differentiate Epzicom from Combivir, the cute, but not quite with it Fran with Trizivir had SOS selling TZV for induction-maintenance after 5095-unbelievable! It clearly could have had a great niche in salvage, but to try to sell it as first-line (with EFV or a boosted PI then remove the 4th agent) was ludicrious.

The scare tactics of EPZ (HEAT showed no difference in renal effects despite "stacking the deck" against TRU) just alienate treaters from GSK, and by the way the PPI are gonna render ATV useless!! Right. Spending $20 million on KLEAN only showed that LPV/r has a terrible lipid profile (BMS says thank you!) was another stroke of marketing genius.

Solution would be to cut the sales force by at least 70% (wait till I get another job, though; or at least give me a great severence), stop wasting money on worthless speaker programs and rake in the money from whatever is left in sales from COM, TZV and EPZ. Dump Lexiva since another company gets a large cut of the profits. And then fold up the tent and call it a day when 3TC goes generic because that will kill COM, TZV. Just my opinon though.


Sounds like we got rid of your sorry ass long ago. Take your sour grapes elsewhere loser.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like we got rid of your sorry ass long ago. Take your sour grapes elsewhere loser.

Don't I wish. Manager gave my counterpart the package and he left. Man, wish I had been offered the severence package. Oh well...maybe with the next round of cuts.

BTW, if you were cut, would your blood be colored orange? Your devotion to this division is music to the ears of MP. Like the way you said, "we" in your first sentence. When you get cut, doubt that you'll be using that pronoun much. Then, it will be, "they" (as in, "they screwed me over...I was so loyal, blah blah). HAHAHA

BTW, you are one dipshit. HAHA. HA!

[Anonymous]

Sounds like we got rid of your sorry ass long ago. Take your sour grapes elsewhere loser.

Uhm, unless your territory is one of maybe two that might actually be doing well, I don't know what you are smoking. Combivir and Trizivir are essentially dead. Epzicom will likely die soon given its horrible recent publicity, and Lexiva has no chance for growth - it is lost in the PI noise, and offers no benefit over other PI's, BUT other PI's offer advantages over Lexiva. Truvada, Atripla, Reyataz, Prezista, and Isentress are where the regimens are either at now or moving toward. And Marlon, R Martin, and maketing are totally worthless.

[Anonymous]

Don't I wish. Manager gave my counterpart the package and he left. Man, wish I had been offered the severence package. Oh well...maybe with the next round of cuts.

BTW, if you were cut, would your blood be colored orange? Your devotion to this division is music to the ears of MP. Like the way you said, "we" in your first sentence. When you get cut, doubt that you'll be using that pronoun much. Then, it will be, "they" (as in, "they screwed me over...I was so loyal, blah blah). HAHAHA

BTW, you are one dipshit. HAHA. HA!

AH HA - Now we know who you are. Start packing your bag because you are toast.

[Anonymous]

I am convinced that Marlon is a cyborg. This guy is like a robot that has zero charisma, zero personality, zero presentation skills, zero stage presence and is leading this franchise to zero share in the HIV disease state. PEOPLE LAUGH AT HIM.

This is such sweet music to my ears. I don't want to go into details, but I use to wish that i had the last bottle of water on the planet and MP was standing in front of me dehydrated and begging for one drop.....and this was from an incident almost 20 years ago. I hadn't thought about him for years, but wandered on your thread and walah....MP delivered up on a plate. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

AH HA - Now we know who you are. Start packing your bag because you are toast.

Who do you think you are, some kind of psychic????? BTW, "you are toast" gives away who you are...not too many people speak like that.

BTW, packs packed, waiting for severence.

[Anonymous]

GSK is a sucky company, and the HIV existing products and pipeline sucks even more. What a disgrace!

[Anonymous]

What does everybody think about the heart attack risk and lack of efficacy with abacavir, not good news at all for you guys.

[Anonymous]

In all fairness, the data is preliminary, and though it may cause some hesitation, it probably won't affect sales at this point. I think people are proceeding with caution, but not sure if the data for either of what you are referencing has played a big role in changing people's minds about the drug yet.

[Anonymous]

Last nail in coffin for HIV@GSK!!!! Held the reign at the top for long enough, make room for the little guys!!!

[Anonymous]

is there anyone happy with the HIV division? anyone from the SE?

I am sort of happy!!!

[Anonymous]

Last nail in coffin for HIV@GSK!!!! Held the reign at the top for long enough, make room for the little guys!!!

I wouldn't call BMS, J&J, or even Gilead little guys. you people are legends in your own minds.

[Anonymous]

I heard more layoffs - too many reps to with old no growth products.

[Anonymous]

Wow Pete and Marlon fucked up not leaving when that marketing genius Kyle Brown did! Now they are stuck in a very tired sinking ship.

[Anonymous]

I heard more layoffs - too many reps to with old no growth products.

& Where Did You Here This? Most Territorities are Single

[Anonymous]

Wow Pete and Marlon fucked up not leaving when that marketing genius Kyle Brown did! Now they are stuck in a very tired sinking ship.


I can't believe those 2 losers are still there. Maybe they should go to losers circle and get managed out while being harrassed. They have taken the HIV division to the gutter, shouldn't they be held accountable.

BTW - I had a doctor tell me that ACTG hates GSK, imagine that. I guess they need to get in line.

[Anonymous]

I can't believe those 2 losers are still there. Maybe they should go to losers circle and get managed out while being harrassed. They have taken the HIV division to the gutter, shouldn't they be held accountable.

BTW - I had a doctor tell me that ACTG hates GSK, imagine that. I guess they need to get in line.

You sound like a very miserable person. It is a good thing you are gone because we don't need negative angry people like you around here. Our company and HIV Division is rock solid, so please stay away.

[Anonymous]

You sound like a very miserable person. It is a good thing you are gone because we don't need negative angry people like you around here. Our company and HIV Division is rock solid, so please stay away.

Nice response Marlon!

[Anonymous]

over 25,000 views - pretty amazing
This division sounds like it really sucks.

[Anonymous]

You sound like a very miserable person. It is a good thing you are gone because we don't need negative angry people like you around here. Our company and HIV Division is rock solid, so please stay away.

Rock solid? $1.5 billion in sales. 75% from COM and TZV which are fading fast and also have patent issues coming up next year. LXV never came close to filling expectations and losing share to Prezista. EPZ, lost opportunity with guideline changes because of ACTG and DAD studies. Hmmmm, not so rock solid in my opinion.

One year from now, revenue will probably be 30% of what it is now (no more COM sales because of generic AZT and 3TC and continued erosion of Lexiva sales).

As Bobby Dylan said, the times they are (or will be) a changin'

[Anonymous]

What is Loser's Circle? Is this the Presidents Club for GSK HIV?

[Anonymous]

What is Loser's Circle? Is this the Presidents Club for GSK HIV?

When I was there they used to treat their reps like shit. GSK is the absolute, hands down, worst HIV drug company to work for.

Think about it: Many of us have left GSK HIV to go other HIV companies. But I don't remember anybody coming over to GSK HIV from another HIV company. Now that says alot about the team.

[Anonymous]

GSK is a 'has been' in the HIV area. All old products. Nothing new and nothing coming.

[Anonymous]

Like the HIV division with it's dying products (including Epzicom, and likely patients on it) this thread will hopefully just fade away.

[Anonymous]

I expect the HIV selling group will disolve within the next 3 years. Just a prediction.

[Anonymous]

Wow Pete and Marlon fucked up not leaving when that marketing genius Kyle Brown did! Now they are stuck in a very tired sinking ship.


Nice post KB

Or did you threaten someone to get them to write this crap.

[Anonymous]

I expect the HIV selling group will disolve within the next 3 years. Just a prediction.

I agree, they will milk you for everything then cut you loose in a couple of years.

Don't let GSK use you
Don't believe a word management tells you
They will spit you out as fast as they chewed you up
They need you for the short term only
Get out while the gettin is good
Trust me, I know what I am talking about

They were never loyal to the employees so why be loyal to them. Look at the recent lay offs. Look at all the other people they ran out.

I AM SO GLAD TO BE GONE. STILL IN THE INDUSTRY BUT VERY HAPPY. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME, YOU ARE IN A VERY AWFUL PLACE, GET OUT ASAP.

[Anonymous]

I agree, they will milk you for everything then cut you loose in a couple of years.

Don't let GSK use you
Don't believe a word management tells you
They will spit you out as fast as they chewed you up
They need you for the short term only
Get out while the gettin is good
Trust me, I know what I am talking about

They were never loyal to the employees so why be loyal to them. Look at the recent lay offs. Look at all the other people they ran out.

I AM SO GLAD TO BE GONE. STILL IN THE INDUSTRY BUT VERY HAPPY. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME, YOU ARE IN A VERY AWFUL PLACE, GET OUT ASAP.

I wonder if this posting is from that bitch ex-rep in Houston?

[Anonymous]

Would you go to work at Gilead? If not WHY? PLease leave the products out of the equation, answer only on what you have heard about the culture and the rep satisfaction level please. What have you heard about morale? What do doctors say?

[Anonymous]

I wonder if this posting is from that bitch ex-rep in Houston?

I am sure it must be somebody who was fired or layed off because everyone who is still in the division is extremely happy.

[Anonymous]

I am sure it must be somebody who was fired or layed off because everyone who is still in the division is extremely happy.

Yeah, it's great selling loser drugs like Lexiva and Epzicom. I love going in front of customers and letting them know how Truvada is plagued with renal issues, and how well tolerated Lexiva is, especially compared to Reyataz and Prezista. Oh, and it's so awesome to explain away increased MI's and lack of performance in patients with high viral loads in ACTG studies. Yeah, we LOVE our jobs and have kick ass products!!!

[Anonymous]

Hey, you don't get it! You have great leadership with ol' Peter and Marlon in charge. They will tell you how good you have it. Trust them...believe them...embrace them...kiss their ass....all the while you brush up your resume.

[Anonymous]

I recently heard that a rep in the mid-atlantic area was let go last fall and the territory this person had just won winner's circle. Is this true? If so, it's appauling. I realize there are good reps and poor reps but this is too much. Marlon and the managers around here have no balls or ethics.

[Anonymous]

Jeff C was the "winner". He was promoted in the fall and canned after Christmas.
The Dog doctor couldn't sell a bone at the pound. Unbelievable. Arf!

'cuse me: Message just in: Dog doctor was seen licking Marlon's balls! Arf! Arf!

[Anonymous]

Competitive HIV rep here. I have to roll my eyes after reading all of these postings. I hope you GSK HIV reps know that you guys are seen as the most obnoxious and opportunistic of the HIV reps. From your stupid scare-tactic ads, to your idiotic tactics of trying to buy the business, you have no clue that your transparency is seen by everyone but you. You guys used to be so respected, but now are the joke of the HIV companies. People view you guys as major scumbags, and that is saying something considering how industry is viewed by outsiders. This is not just a competitive rep being bitter - I actually hear this from other territories and by other competitive reps. The common denominator is GSK is almost universally detested. Congrats, people, you lower the bar on a daily basis!

[Anonymous]

Competitive HIV rep here. I have to roll my eyes after reading all of these postings. I hope you GSK HIV reps know that you guys are seen as the most obnoxious and opportunistic of the HIV reps. From your stupid scare-tactic ads, to your idiotic tactics of trying to buy the business, you have no clue that your transparency is seen by everyone but you. You guys used to be so respected, but now are the joke of the HIV companies. People view you guys as major scumbags, and that is saying something considering how industry is viewed by outsiders. This is not just a competitive rep being bitter - I actually hear this from other territories and by other competitive reps. The common denominator is GSK is almost universally detested. Congrats, people, you lower the bar on a daily basis!

When exactly were you fired from GSK....loser.

[Anonymous]

I never worked for GSK, and never will. You guys are the bottom feeder company! People leave GSK to go to other companies, not the inverse. On the other hand, it's obvious that you are a piece of shit and probably bring offices coffee, Jamba Juice, and doughnuts on a regular basis like most of you idiot GSK HIV reps.

[Anonymous]

I never worked for GSK, and never will. You guys are the bottom feeder company! People leave GSK to go to other companies, not the inverse. On the other hand, it's obvious that you are a piece of shit and probably bring offices coffee, Jamba Juice, and doughnuts on a regular basis like most of you idiot GSK HIV reps.

Laughing very loud. The GSK rep in my territory does this on a regular basis. On another thread, someone mentioned that they took docs on ski trips! What a pathetic ploy!

[Anonymous]

GSK trying to buy the business? Say it ain't so!!!!!
GSK is the trailer trash of the HIV companies, going from the top to the bottom of the heap virtually overnight.

[Anonymous]

Are the 2 CA loser managers still around? You have insane RM in the Bay Area terrorizing the reps and antagonizing offices, and in southern CA, is creepy RE still around firing on any female with a pulse?

[Anonymous]

Has the ship sunk yet?

[Anonymous]

Are the 2 CA loser managers still around? You have insane RM in the Bay Area terrorizing the reps and antagonizing offices, and in southern CA, is creepy RE still around firing on any female with a pulse?

Yes the psycho RM is still around.

[Anonymous]

Can't be too psycho...she won Diamond last year

[Anonymous]

Are the 2 CA loser managers still around? You have insane RM in the Bay Area terrorizing the reps and antagonizing offices, and in southern CA, is creepy RE still around firing on any female with a pulse?


RE is an awesome guy--devoted to his family

[Anonymous]

Are you guys going to lay off again?

[Anonymous]

I wish some asshole at CP would take this god damned post down. It is fucking rediculous.

[Anonymous]

I wish some asshole at CP would take this god damned post down. It is fucking rediculous.

Are you in a bad mood.

[Anonymous]

You're fucking right I'm mad. Are you one of those fucking cunts from the home office?

[Anonymous]

Are you guys going to lay off again?

I heard 20% more this year. The division is in major trouble. I think all the RSDs were in Dallas for a meeting.

[Anonymous]

Gee, you think?
Epzicom dogged by M.I. data
Lexiva dogged by being a piece of shit
Combivir dogged by QD Truvada
Trizivir just a dog

[Anonymous]

Gee, you think?
Epzicom dogged by M.I. data
Lexiva dogged by being a piece of shit
Combivir dogged by QD Truvada
Trizivir just a dog

Since there's a doggie problem going on....I've got your solution...call the "Dog Doctor!"
(Whistle, Whistle) Here boy! BO come here!
Good boy! Down boy! Now be sure to sniff Marlon.....

.....sniff, sniff.....
Arf!

[Anonymous]

Since there's a doggie problem going on....I've got your solution...call the "Dog Doctor!"
(Whistle, Whistle) Here boy! BO come here!
Good boy! Down boy! Now be sure to sniff Marlon.....

.....sniff, sniff.....
Arf!

You are so far off-----BO and the rest of the RSDs lick the Minnie Minnow raw, he loves to be licked. All of the RSDs have their noses so far up his ass they see daylight. BTW ---- they all hate him.

[Anonymous]

Gee, you think?
Epzicom dogged by M.I. data
Lexiva dogged by being a piece of shit
Combivir dogged by QD Truvada
Trizivir just a dog

I am shocked there is still an HIV division with all of the bad publicity with Epzicom and Trizivir containing abacavir. Lexiva has not a prayer for widespread use, and Combivir has been dying for the last few years. What the hell does this division's future look like?

[Anonymous]

grim

[Anonymous]

I heard you guys are going to do a series of Combivir dinner programs...LOL......please say it ain't so. Do you really expect docs to attend an update on Combivir? LMFAO

[Anonymous]

I heard that yet ANOTHER of the Bay Area manager's (AKA psycho bitch) reps left. Considering how much it costs to hire and train new reps I can't believe that the company keeps her around. WTF does she have on upper management?

[Anonymous]

I heard that yet ANOTHER of the Bay Area manager's (AKA psycho bitch) reps left. Considering how much it costs to hire and train new reps I can't believe that the company keeps her around. WTF does she have on upper management?

What? Who?

[Anonymous]

What? Who?

Maybe she is trying to give everyone who works at GSK an opportunity to experience her unique leadership skills! Oh, I hope she doesn't read these posts...it would only make her angry!

[Anonymous]

Maybe she is trying to give everyone who works at GSK an opportunity to experience her unique leadership skills! Oh, I hope she doesn't read these posts...it would only make her angry!

I can say FOR SURE that RM does not read CP - and most other HIV management personnel (eg MP) do not read it either. There is one person that does check it from time to time, and if there is anything of note they will pass it along. It has been a long LONG time since anything of note has been posted here. Postings by bitter people that were fired for cause, or RMA, is not news.

[Anonymous]

I can say FOR SURE that RM does not read CP - and most other HIV management personnel (eg MP) do not read it either. There is one person that does check it from time to time, and if there is anything of note they will pass it along. It has been a long LONG time since anything of note has been posted here. Postings by bitter people that were fired for cause, or RMA, is not news.


LOL, you are either a fool or stupid. Of course they read it. Word is that RM (and actually to show you don't know what you are talking about, she has changed her last name because of all the negative CP posts...you can run, but not hide?) and MP have had in-depth discussions about how this is negatively impacting morale. Again, word is that in her development plan is to review these postings on a regular basis to see if she can improve her reputation in her district, within the company and in the industry (small world, ya all). PEACE

[Anonymous]

LOL, you are either a fool or stupid. Of course they read it. Word is that RM (and actually to show you don't know what you are talking about, she has changed her last name because of all the negative CP posts...you can run, but not hide?) and MP have had in-depth discussions about how this is negatively impacting morale. Again, word is that in her development plan is to review these postings on a regular basis to see if she can improve her reputation in her district, within the company and in the industry (small world, ya all). PEACE

That mental head case is stuck with her reputation and therefore a legend in the entire HIV community.

[Anonymous]

LOL, you are either a fool or stupid. Of course they read it. Word is that RM (and actually to show you don't know what you are talking about, she has changed her last name because of all the negative CP posts...you can run, but not hide?) and MP have had in-depth discussions about how this is negatively impacting morale. Again, word is that in her development plan is to review these postings on a regular basis to see if she can improve her reputation in her district, within the company and in the industry (small world, ya all). PEACE

What did she change her name to?

[Anonymous]

I think it is now "Sharon Dick"

[Anonymous]

What did she change her name to?

Is this really true? Did RM change her name? Did it fool anyone?

[Anonymous]

Is this really true? Did RM change her name? Did it fool anyone?

I heard her husband ran for his life and RM changed her name back to her maiden name.

[Anonymous]

Pete and Marlon: Are you both on crack? How many reps does RM have to drive out before you look at her management skills - or lack thereof. Please.... for a moment let the veil of corporate america down and take a good look at what you have saddled your sales force with, a manager who is a nightmare. Your are looking, in the least, at a lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment for several current and past employees. To push someone until they break down in tears makes you a good manager? RM, you are such a douch. You are so caught up in your own self worth that you have forgotten what it is like to be in the field.

Pete and Marlon - are you pleased that a manager has 90% turnover in less than one year? SHE SHOULD BE FIRED AS A COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT MANAGER.

You understand that she has made reps cry telling them they don't know how to do their jobs. She also told her regional sales trainter that she had such a bad attitude that she would quit if she were her. What does that do but set that good old hostile environment and push her to look for another job. Luckily she found one that pays better and just quit.

Again, Pete and Marlon, you are both responsible for the people who report to you. How much oversight are you putting in to Mrs New Name? Maybe you are just after a fall woman to clean house. Of course, RM will eventually have to go bc you cannot keep an RD with such an atrociaous track record. I believe she is too stupid to realize this small fact.

Please have the balls to respond here. I am very curious as to your insight into this particular SF Region clusterfu**.

[Anonymous]

Pete and Marlon: Are you both on crack? How many reps does RM have to drive out before you look at her management skills - or lack thereof. Please.... for a moment let the veil of corporate america down and take a good look at what you have saddled your sales force with, a manager who is a nightmare. Your are looking, in the least, at a lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment for several current and past employees. To push someone until they break down in tears makes you a good manager? RM, you are such a douch. You are so caught up in your own self worth that you have forgotten what it is like to be in the field.

Pete and Marlon - are you pleased that a manager has 90% turnover in less than one year? SHE SHOULD BE FIRED AS A COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT MANAGER.

You understand that she has made reps cry telling them they don't know how to do their jobs. She also told her regional sales trainter that she had such a bad attitude that she would quit if she were her. What does that do but set that good old hostile environment and push her to look for another job. Luckily she found one that pays better and just quit.

Again, Pete and Marlon, you are both responsible for the people who report to you. How much oversight are you putting in to Mrs New Name? Maybe you are just after a fall woman to clean house. Of course, RM will eventually have to go bc you cannot keep an RD with such an atrociaous track record. I believe she is too stupid to realize this small fact.

Please have the balls to respond here. I am very curious as to your insight into this particular SF Region clusterfu**.

1) How could she make someone cry? Who gives a crap what she thinks? If someone cries because of her, that person needs a good kick in the butt.

2) Why do Pete and Marlon keep an incompetent person around? Have you any idea of how incompetent those 2 are? Get real! Incompetence breeds incompetence.

[Anonymous]

Pete and Marlon: Are you both on crack? How many reps does RM have to drive out before you look at her management skills - or lack thereof. Please.... for a moment let the veil of corporate america down and take a good look at what you have saddled your sales force with, a manager who is a nightmare. Your are looking, in the least, at a lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment for several current and past employees. To push someone until they break down in tears makes you a good manager? RM, you are such a douch. You are so caught up in your own self worth that you have forgotten what it is like to be in the field.

Pete and Marlon - are you pleased that a manager has 90% turnover in less than one year? SHE SHOULD BE FIRED AS A COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT MANAGER.

You understand that she has made reps cry telling them they don't know how to do their jobs. She also told her regional sales trainter that she had such a bad attitude that she would quit if she were her. What does that do but set that good old hostile environment and push her to look for another job. Luckily she found one that pays better and just quit.

Again, Pete and Marlon, you are both responsible for the people who report to you. How much oversight are you putting in to Mrs New Name? Maybe you are just after a fall woman to clean house. Of course, RM will eventually have to go bc you cannot keep an RD with such an atrociaous track record. I believe she is too stupid to realize this small fact.

Please have the balls to respond here. I am very curious as to your insight into this particular SF Region clusterfu**.

You sound as if you have sour grapes, why don't you move your sorry ass on already.

[Anonymous]

It sounds to me that you are a bitter, miserable, jealous person. Pete and Marlon are both creative and steller leaders that have done an incredible job running this business unit. Please wake up the GSK HIV division is the BEST OF THE BEST!

[Anonymous]

It sounds to me that you are a bitter, miserable, jealous person. Pete and Marlon are both creative and steller leaders that have done an incredible job running this business unit. Please wake up the GSK HIV division is the BEST OF THE BEST!

I agree completely. Look at how great the launch of Lexiva has gone. Whoops! That was not a good example. Ok, how about Epzicom! That is going great! Crap, that one is a bad example too. Well...how about Trizivir! Darn, no...that didn't turn out so well. Oh, I got it, how about the great morale in the division. Umm. No, that's not it either.

Ok, I give up. What have Pete and Marlon done that has bone so creative and stellar? And by the way, thanks for your post, Reynolds. Pete and Marlon appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

I agree completely. Look at how great the launch of Lexiva has gone. Whoops! That was not a good example. Ok, how about Epzicom! That is going great! Crap, that one is a bad example too. Well...how about Trizivir! Darn, no...that didn't turn out so well. Oh, I got it, how about the great morale in the division. Umm. No, that's not it either.

Ok, I give up. What have Pete and Marlon done that has bone so creative and stellar? And by the way, thanks for your post, Reynolds. Pete and Marlon appreciate it!

Sad but true. I have been gone for awhile, do you guys still have the famous annual "LOSERS CIRCLE"? Is the trip still held in that shithole Dallas?

[Anonymous]

Sad but true. I have been gone for awhile, do you guys still have the famous annual "LOSERS CIRCLE"? Is the trip still held in that shithole Dallas?

Pete and Marlon are creative! It's not there fault that the sales force can't sell such solid products with such distinct advantages. WAKE UP!!! this division has the best senior managers in the company.

[Anonymous]

Pete and Marlon are creative! It's not there fault that the sales force can't sell such solid products with such distinct advantages. WAKE UP!!! this division has the best senior managers in the company.

Has it ever occurred to you that these negative posts are from disgruntled ex-employees? No need to slam the current sales force. You must be from in house - it's no wonder why people leave in droves.

[Anonymous]

Has it ever occurred to you that these negative posts are from disgruntled ex-employees? No need to slam the current sales force. You must be from in house - it's no wonder why people leave in droves.

At the IAC in Mexico, GSK is claiming that their studies show no evidence that abacavir causes MIs. However-the data that has been presented by INDEPENDENT researchers who are looking at the DAD data say otherwise. Who do you believe? Does GSK have a history of no telling the truth about their drugs?

[Anonymous]

GSK's HIV drug's grave is being dug deeper and deeper. Lexiva is going nowhere fast, as the market gets more crowded it's getting left out of the mix. Epzicom had a shot at being utilized more often, but much negative data is driving sales of it, too, down the toilet, as Gilead's Truvada is emerging as the biggest HIV drug ever. Throw in a sales force that has low morale, crappy marketing and management, and it's just a matter of time before the inevitable.

[Anonymous]

GSK's HIV drug's grave is being dug deeper and deeper. Lexiva is going nowhere fast, as the market gets more crowded it's getting left out of the mix. Epzicom had a shot at being utilized more often, but much negative data is driving sales of it, too, down the toilet, as Gilead's Truvada is emerging as the biggest HIV drug ever. Throw in a sales force that has low morale, crappy marketing and management, and it's just a matter of time before the inevitable.

Heard the European guidelines say not to use your Epzicom in patients with greater than 100,000 copies. Do you think this will happen in the USA?

[Anonymous]

Heard the European guidelines say not to use your Epzicom in patients with greater than 100,000 copies. Do you think this will happen in the USA?

And don't use in patients with risk factors for CVD. Data at IAC showed that abacavir increases hsCRP and IL6-inflammatory markers related to cardiac disease. Who over 40 will want on that drug? The deal about the 100,000 is big...remember Trizivir?

[Anonymous]

And don't use in patients with risk factors for CVD. Data at IAC showed that abacavir increases hsCRP and IL6-inflammatory markers related to cardiac disease. Who over 40 will want on that drug? The deal about the 100,000 is big...remember Trizivir?

ABC is a dead drug just waiting for the grave. The word is that the FDA is going to change the guidelines soon and all of those reps who have been talking about the "upgrade" Epzicom got last year will be eating their words. Thank God I've got another gig lined up. I start in October so just 7 more weeks of this circus.

I'm off this boat as the water is rising in the hull fast. Good luck guys!

[Anonymous]

I have grown tired of watching this division go down the tubes and time after time the company claims to have the next best thing only to find out that after launch, we've got some serious issues with our drugs and some serious reputations to repair as a result.

[Anonymous]

I have grown tired of watching this division go down the tubes and time after time the company claims to have the next best thing only to find out that after launch, we've got some serious issues with our drugs and some serious reputations to repair as a result.

The conference calls will fix everything.

Oh - BTW, if the division is at 100% why do the bonuses suck?

[Anonymous]

The conference calls will fix everything.

Oh - BTW, if the division is at 100% why do the bonuses suck?

Oh, I'm sure that will do it! Ugh. My guess is that we will be asked to push the old workhorse CBV as they realize that ABC's days are numbered. The problem is that CBV has it's own set of issues.

I've got an idea... GET US A PRODUCT WE CAN SELL WITH CONFIDENCE!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Oh, I'm sure that will do it! Ugh. My guess is that we will be asked to push the old workhorse CBV as they realize that ABC's days are numbered. The problem is that CBV has it's own set of issues.

I've got an idea... GET US A PRODUCT WE CAN SELL WITH CONFIDENCE!!!!!


CBV firstine is coming.

[Anonymous]

Abacavir's problems are what I would call karma. GSK has only shown negative campaigning against Gileads' tenofovir. You pick up any publication and you will see an ad about the risk of kidney problems with "other HIV medicines". I don't see Gilead with ads of people clutching their chests from an MI advertising about "other HIV medicines risk of MI". GSK is a shameful company with shameful tactics - karma indeed. It is interesting to see GSK's over-advertising of products that few prescribe, so go ahead and waste money on advertising that just makes people shake their heads in disgust and NOT want to prescribe GSK's HIV products.

[Anonymous]

Abacavir's problems are what I would call karma. GSK has only shown negative campaigning against Gileads' tenofovir. You pick up any publication and you will see an ad about the risk of kidney problems with "other HIV medicines". I don't see Gilead with ads of people clutching their chests from an MI advertising about "other HIV medicines risk of MI". GSK is a shameful company with shameful tactics - karma indeed. It is interesting to see GSK's over-advertising of products that few prescribe, so go ahead and waste money on advertising that just makes people shake their heads in disgust and NOT want to prescribe GSK's HIV products.

I know, they sure waste a lot of time and money. Nobody will prescribe their products first line, ever. Or even prescribe them at all.

They need to find something else to do because their game is almost done and they have lost big time.

[Anonymous]

I know, they sure waste a lot of time and money. Nobody will prescribe their products first line, ever. Or even prescribe them at all.

They need to find something else to do because their game is almost done and they have lost big time.

Maybe Combivir or Trizivir will make a comeback. Oh, wait, those got slammed by Gilead and ACTG. Hmmm - Lexiva? LOL

[Anonymous]

Metrics? Are those measures still being thrown at you? When I was there it was never ending. Being compared to other areas of the country was not fair because the rural territories cannot get the clinical trials or have enough treaters to attend programs. Life was miserable for me then. I hope that crap has eased up. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Pete and Marlon: Are you both on crack? How many reps does RM have to drive out before you look at her management skills - or lack thereof. Please.... for a moment let the veil of corporate america down and take a good look at what you have saddled your sales force with, a manager who is a nightmare. Your are looking, in the least, at a lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment for several current and past employees. To push someone until they break down in tears makes you a good manager? RM, you are such a douch. You are so caught up in your own self worth that you have forgotten what it is like to be in the field.

Pete and Marlon - are you pleased that a manager has 90% turnover in less than one year? SHE SHOULD BE FIRED AS A COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT MANAGER.

You understand that she has made reps cry telling them they don't know how to do their jobs. She also told her regional sales trainter that she had such a bad attitude that she would quit if she were her. What does that do but set that good old hostile environment and push her to look for another job. Luckily she found one that pays better and just quit.

Again, Pete and Marlon, you are both responsible for the people who report to you. How much oversight are you putting in to Mrs New Name? Maybe you are just after a fall woman to clean house. Of course, RM will eventually have to go bc you cannot keep an RD with such an atrociaous track record. I believe she is too stupid to realize this small fact.

Please have the balls to respond here. I am very curious as to your insight into this particular SF Region clusterfu**.
This particular post sounds like it was posted by disgruntled rep Kate G. Duh!

[Anonymous]

This particular post sounds like it was posted by disgruntled rep Kate G. Duh!


I don't know if she is disgruntled (Kate Greer) but she is smokin hot. In addition, does Reynolds continue to sport that fucked up Aunt Bee hair style that looks like a bun on top of her head? I left two years ago and was curious. Thanks

[Anonymous]

I don't know if she is disgruntled (Kate Greer) but she is smokin hot. In addition, does Reynolds continue to sport that fucked up Aunt Bee hair style that looks like a bun on top of her head? I left two years ago and was curious. Thanks

Left two years ago???? But still troll CP GSK board at 1:30AM. What a loss for the company!

[Anonymous]

Left two years ago???? But still troll CP GSK board at 1:30AM. What a loss for the company!

I wouldn't sit here and act like such a winner - if you are still with this loser division marketing the shit drugs GSK makes for HIV then you are just as much a loser.

[Anonymous]

Geeeeez, the scare tactic adds reminds me of how we were treated when I was there. We were managed amd motivated by scare tactics. I magine that hasn't changed.

[Anonymous]

A doctor told me that he was invited to a dinner program to learn more about HIV and neuroligical issues. Would this be a move to get docs to rx combivir. Please say it's not so. You failed miserably with the renal bashing and here you go again.

[Anonymous]

Pete and Marlon: Are you both on crack? How many reps does RM have to drive out before you look at her management skills - or lack thereof. Please.... for a moment let the veil of corporate america down and take a good look at what you have saddled your sales force with, a manager who is a nightmare. Your are looking, in the least, at a lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment for several current and past employees. To push someone until they break down in tears makes you a good manager? RM, you are such a douch. You are so caught up in your own self worth that you have forgotten what it is like to be in the field.

Pete and Marlon - are you pleased that a manager has 90% turnover in less than one year? SHE SHOULD BE FIRED AS A COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT MANAGER.

You understand that she has made reps cry telling them they don't know how to do their jobs. She also told her regional sales trainter that she had such a bad attitude that she would quit if she were her. What does that do but set that good old hostile environment and push her to look for another job. Luckily she found one that pays better and just quit.

Again, Pete and Marlon, you are both responsible for the people who report to you. How much oversight are you putting in to Mrs New Name? Maybe you are just after a fall woman to clean house. Of course, RM will eventually have to go bc you cannot keep an RD with such an atrociaous track record. I believe she is too stupid to realize this small fact.

Please have the balls to respond here. I am very curious as to your insight into this particular SF Region clusterfu**.

She has fucked many over and over. Get out now if you can. It will only get worse. This woman is seriously ill. Glad I am gone.

[Anonymous]

Shit rolls downhill - shitty drugs, shitty management, shitty morale from the field. It's only a matter of time before the entire division is completely irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

A doctor told me that he was invited to a dinner program to learn more about HIV and neuroligical issues. Would this be a move to get docs to rx combivir. Please say it's not so. You failed miserably with the renal bashing and here you go again.

They are desperate, would you expect anything different from those people?

[Anonymous]

Shit rolls downhill - shitty drugs, shitty management, shitty morale from the field. It's only a matter of time before the entire division is completely irrelevant.

Eh hem. What do you mean? They already ARE irrelevant.

Thinking they are somehow relevant is just plain fooling yourself.

Have you looked at the marketshare in the past few years for each of the products?

[Anonymous]

The pipeline? Anything new????

[Anonymous]

The winner of drug company Hall of Shame for the last 3 years goes to the HIV division of GSK 3 years out of 3. Misleading advertising, scare tactics, bad science, drugs that put patients at risk, and greed rule GSK's HIV division. How anyone can sleep at night in this division is amazing. Did I mention that the vast majority of the reps are annoying and transparent? Sure, the docs will go out to lunch on dinner on the company dime, but they still don't want to prescribe the dogs Lexiva and Epzicom, so keep spending money while BMS and Gilead keep grabbing the market shares.

[Anonymous]

The winner of drug company Hall of Shame for the last 3 years goes to the HIV division of GSK 3 years out of 3. Misleading advertising, scare tactics, bad science, drugs that put patients at risk, and greed rule GSK's HIV division. How anyone can sleep at night in this division is amazing. Did I mention that the vast majority of the reps are annoying and transparent? Sure, the docs will go out to lunch on dinner on the company dime, but they still don't want to prescribe the dogs Lexiva and Epzicom, so keep spending money while BMS and Gilead keep grabbing the market shares.

Very well said. The HIV reps in my overlapping territories are scoundrels, and are disliked by the other reps. The offices tolerate them because they bring in goodies to the offices all the time, but the staff and docs see through them. Also, just about every customer comments how transparent the marketing tactics are, and turns them off. I say, keep it up GSK!!! I could use some increased volume!

[Anonymous]

Very well said. The HIV reps in my overlapping territories are scoundrels, and are disliked by the other reps. The offices tolerate them because they bring in goodies to the offices all the time, but the staff and docs see through them. Also, just about every customer comments how transparent the marketing tactics are, and turns them off. I say, keep it up GSK!!! I could use some increased volume!

You don't know what the F- - - you are talking about, we don't have 'goodies' anymore.

I certainly bet you could use increased volume because you don't know how to sell your drugs you big fat loser.

[Anonymous]

You don't know what the F- - - you are talking about, we don't have 'goodies' anymore.

I certainly bet you could use increased volume because you don't know how to sell your drugs you big fat loser.

Eh hem...

SCOOOOORRE board!

SCOOOOORRE board!

...

[Anonymous]

You don't know what the F- - - you are talking about, we don't have 'goodies' anymore.

I certainly bet you could use increased volume because you don't know how to sell your drugs you big fat loser.

Among the major competitors to GSK in HIV (Gilead, BMS, and Abbott) I can assure you that they all have better market shares than you.

[Anonymous]

is it true that goals for next quarter will be for negative growth for epzicoma and lexiva? makes sense with epzicoma probably being pulled of guidelines and being put back to alternative based on 5202 along with cvd concerns. lexiva always the little engine that couldn't seems destined to be passed by prezista. how are the overlays helping you with your territory? mine hardly ever comes down to my territory.

[Anonymous]

is it true that goals for next quarter will be for negative growth for epzicoma and lexiva? makes sense with epzicoma probably being pulled of guidelines and being put back to alternative based on 5202 along with cvd concerns. lexiva always the little engine that couldn't seems destined to be passed by prezista. how are the overlays helping you with your territory? mine hardly ever comes down to my territory.

Time to put down the crack pipe. Are you kidding with this? GSK is in complete denial that there is anything remotely wrong with ABC/Epzicom. They also seem to think that they are going to magically find Lexiva being a market leader, too. Get real, bonehead!

[Anonymous]

Time to put down the crack pipe. Are you kidding with this? GSK is in complete denial that there is anything remotely wrong with ABC/Epzicom. They also seem to think that they are going to magically find Lexiva being a market leader, too. Get real, bonehead!

GSK is starting to lose credibility with docs by telling them that DAD and SMART are not valid studies. Let's face it GSK, there is a correlate between CVD and Epzicom and the sooner you admit it the sooner you will gain back some credibilty. Do the right thing and quit putting patients at risk for a potential serious event.

Keep pushing on the docs to write for epzicom so that upper management will make their outrageous bonuses.

[Anonymous]

GSK is starting to lose credibility with docs by telling them that DAD and SMART are not valid studies. Let's face it GSK, there is a correlate between CVD and Epzicom and the sooner you admit it the sooner you will gain back some credibilty. Do the right thing and quit putting patients at risk for a potential serious event.

Keep pushing on the docs to write for epzicom so that upper management will make their outrageous bonuses.

All they do is defend their shitty drugs and bash the competition.

[Anonymous]

GSK is starting to lose credibility with docs by telling them that DAD and SMART are not valid studies. Let's face it GSK, there is a correlate between CVD and Epzicom and the sooner you admit it the sooner you will gain back some credibilty. Do the right thing and quit putting patients at risk for a potential serious event.

Keep pushing on the docs to write for epzicom so that upper management will make their outrageous bonuses.

It is only a matter of time before Guidelines change and more CV risk data comes out adding to the concern about ABC. You are right that GSK seems to be in complete denial about the correlation but if I were an HIV rep for GSK, I would be talking VERY VERY little about ABC and focusing on Lexiva. As more date comes in, the sh!t will hit the fan and those reps who have been poo-pooing this issue will be facing a major lack of credibility with their providers.

Back to the basics, it is about what is best for the patient and there isn't a signle HIV med on the market that is a great match for every patient. The group of HIV patients that ABC is a match for is quickly becoming smaller and smaller. The sooner these reps get that, the better it will be for them in the long and short run.

[Anonymous]

Anybody think we will be impacted this go around if GSK Goes Through Lay-Offs? (No need for smart ass comments about dog drugs, ect.)

[Anonymous]

I dont think so. I think Quarter 1 2009 is when we better have or eye on the ball.

[Anonymous]

I dont think so. I think Quarter 1 2009 is when we better have or eye on the ball.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I dont think so. I think Quarter 1 2009 is when we better have or eye on the ball.

You guys best have your eye on your resume ASAP!

[Anonymous]

Did MP get the boot? I hope so.

[Anonymous]

Question! When will HIV be announcing their layoffs?

[Anonymous]

Question! When will HIV be announcing their layoffs?

10% reduction after the first of the year.

[Anonymous]

With Epzicom moving down a notch in the guidelines, it will be interesting to see what the future holds - Lexiva just not finding a place at the table. Poor GSK!

[Anonymous]

With Epzicom moving down a notch in the guidelines, it will be interesting to see what the future holds - Lexiva just not finding a place at the table. Poor GSK!

Did this already happen? I haven't seen the new guidelines but I heard it's going to happen.

[Anonymous]

Yes, the guidelines have put Epzicom in the "alternative" regimen category, leaving Truvada as the sole preferred NRTI backbone. They based this on data that implicates ABC as weak in higher viral loads and ABC being implicated in increased risk of cardiovascular events. Poor GSK, losers AGAIN!

[Anonymous]

What is going on with HIV management? Are PH and MP still at the wheel? Its been quite too long. Surely someone is getting the boot w/o even knowing their status. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

What is going on with HIV management? Are PH and MP still at the wheel? Its been quite too long. Surely someone is getting the boot w/o even knowing their status. Good luck.

Look what you did to try and kill us on renal?????????? Didn't work - now lets talk about cardio and potency of epzicom............losers!!!!!!!!!

Oh BTW - How many of you got canned? Downsizing is a reality at GSK.

[Anonymous]

As a general rule, the GSK HIV reps are the most annoying and the biggest suck-up reps. I also rarely wish anyone to be cut from their jobs, but GSK's HIV division has been so incredibly obnoxious and disgusting with its tactics, I won't be shedding any tears with the pathetic division is gone. You made your bed GSK-HIV, now you must lie in it. And since you are masters at lying, it should be easy for you.

[Anonymous]

As a general rule, the GSK HIV reps are the most annoying and the biggest suck-up reps. I also rarely wish anyone to be cut from their jobs, but GSK's HIV division has been so incredibly obnoxious and disgusting with its tactics, I won't be shedding any tears with the pathetic division is gone. You made your bed GSK-HIV, now you must lie in it. And since you are masters at lying, it should be easy for you.

It is inevitable that you will have lay offs next year, your ship is almost under water.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if the ever prestigious Peter H. will receive a year end bonus for his honorable and esteemed high reputation for his contributions to the HIV Division.

So glad I am gone. I understand all of his false promises never happened. I imagine he will get a promotion, yup that's the GSK way. LOSERS!

[Anonymous]

What this Division needs is a good coroner to come in and declare the leadership, the product management, and the sales team dead on arrival. Put an end to the needless pain and suffering. Call a halt to the life support systems and let the patient die. Pronounce the death attributable to recent-onset MI, complicated by acute downgrading of preferred status, with little or no viable corporate response. Vital signs are gone. Morale is non-palpable. Outlook is grim. Let's move on to a wake and a funeral, bury our mistakes, and move into monoclonal antibodies. HIV belongs to the young, the nimble, and the fleet-footed. Time for old, ponderous dinosaurs to step aside and drift away.

[Anonymous]

What this Division needs is a good coroner to come in and declare the leadership, the product management, and the sales team dead on arrival. Put an end to the needless pain and suffering. Call a halt to the life support systems and let the patient die. Pronounce the death attributable to recent-onset MI, complicated by acute downgrading of preferred status, with little or no viable corporate response. Vital signs are gone. Morale is non-palpable. Outlook is grim. Let's move on to a wake and a funeral, bury our mistakes, and move into monoclonal antibodies. HIV belongs to the young, the nimble, and the fleet-footed. Time for old, ponderous dinosaurs to step aside and drift away.

Not a chance at greedy GSK. They will mik every penny out of the dogs that they can and do so with absolutely zero shame. Talk about a rapid descent of a company's division!

[Anonymous]

Not a chance at greedy GSK. They will mik every penny out of the dogs that they can and do so with absolutely zero shame. Talk about a rapid descent of a company's division!

And I am supposed to feel sorry that SF is relocating to the West Coast? Ha! Good-bye and good riddance, you ass-kissing phony! The quicker you leave the better. Why don't you take your manager with you?

[Anonymous]

The GSK rep in one of the territories that I overlap with is now going around showing doctors her data and telling them that they are not writing enough and going so far as to ask them "what's your problem". She is shooting herself in the foot as the docs who she thinks are her friends are getting fed up with this behavior and venting to me (a competitor) about it. I just laugh and watch her dig her own grave.

My question is this:

Is this behavior condoned by those above her or is the pressure to perform so great with these sinking products that she feels she has to rely on desperate measures to stay afloat?

I feel sorry for her but we are all grown-ups (I hope!) and I guess she'll have to lie in the bed she makes.

[Anonymous]

What else is she supposed to do? Their products are sinking fast. Their main goal is to retain business not grow it. With all the bad press their drugs are receiving they have little choice.

The reps. are worried about layoffs in 09. Lastly, becarefull her tactic may work. I realize that your doctors are complaining about her hardline tactics but I know a few reps. who are very successfull at pressuring the doctors to write by showing or telling them their prescribing habits.

Some doctors may feel guilty and begin prescribing a few here and there to make her happy and keep her off their backs. And as you know with our IC plan this can make a huge difference to our business.

Good luck out there.

[Anonymous]

The GSK rep in one of the territories that I overlap with is now going around showing doctors her data and telling them that they are not writing enough and going so far as to ask them "what's your problem". She is shooting herself in the foot as the docs who she thinks are her friends are getting fed up with this behavior and venting to me (a competitor) about it. I just laugh and watch her dig her own grave.

My question is this:

Is this behavior condoned by those above her or is the pressure to perform so great with these sinking products that she feels she has to rely on desperate measures to stay afloat?

I feel sorry for her but we are all grown-ups (I hope!) and I guess she'll have to lie in the bed she makes.


She would be much more successful if she went around to her key customers and showed them her boobs. Take her blouse and bra right off and take great pains in posing for the client. Any change in her numbers would be a direct reflection of her "selling skills", and she would get immediate feedback on her effectiveness.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if the ever prestigious Peter H. will receive a year end bonus for his honorable and esteemed high reputation for his contributions to the HIV Division.

So glad I am gone. I understand all of his false promises never happened. I imagine he will get a promotion, yup that's the GSK way. LOSERS!

Of course Peter "rabbit" Hare will get a fat bonus. For doing absolutely nothing. Admitted that he failed in getting a co-marketing deal with another company in 2008. And continues to overlook the bumbling MP as Sales VP. To say nothing of the totally talentless Marketing Directors! This division is long overdue for a housecleaning, but it's too late now. Epzicom is dead. Lexiva was a marketing disaster from launch. And so goes the HIV Division. It's time to jump and pull the ripcord. It's all over now, except for the crying and excuse-making.

[Anonymous]

Any sane company that grades people on performance would have dumped Peter H and his inept "leadership team" a long time ago. Think about it. Ten plus years ago, GSK dominated this therapeutic category. Now, we're irrelevant to the point that the only logical way out of this is to exit the HIV business. Why? No vision, no execution, no leadership, no creativity, no innovation. Let's be real and face the facts. While Gilead, Abbott and Merck continued to roll out new products in the last ten years, Peter and his minions have driven the HIV business to the ground. Time to exit the HIV business in 2009. Happy New Year.

[Anonymous]

Any sane company that grades people on performance would have dumped Peter H and his inept "leadership team" a long time ago. Think about it. Ten plus years ago, GSK dominated this therapeutic category. Now, we're irrelevant to the point that the only logical way out of this is to exit the HIV business. Why? No vision, no execution, no leadership, no creativity, no innovation. Let's be real and face the facts. While Gilead, Abbott and Merck continued to roll out new products in the last ten years, Peter and his minions have driven the HIV business to the ground. Time to exit the HIV business in 2009. Happy New Year.

Bravo, and very well said. The only hope for GSK is to abandon their sunken HIV Franchise. Enclose it in the same boneyard as their Cardiovascular Franchise, their Psych Neuro Franchise, their Diabetes franchise, and their Antibiotic Franchise, all within GSK Memorial Gardens. This company is swirling the crapper, and hopefully has enough momentum to suck the HIV turds Pete Hare and Marlon Pittman down the drain. GSK HIV is dead.

[Anonymous]

Bravo, and very well said. The only hope for GSK is to abandon their sunken HIV Franchise. Enclose it in the same boneyard as their Cardiovascular Franchise, their Psych Neuro Franchise, their Diabetes franchise, and their Antibiotic Franchise, all within GSK Memorial Gardens. This company is swirling the crapper, and hopefully has enough momentum to suck the HIV turds Pete Hare and Marlon Pittman down the drain. GSK HIV is dead.

I think MP used to compare the HIV franchise to sports. Well if a team does shitty year after year don't they get rid of the manager not the players? In sports, management is held responsible, correct me if I am wrong. How come PH and MP are still around?

[Anonymous]

You poor guys, how many were let go during the November layoffs?

[Anonymous]

Epzicom will become the market leader in 2010 and Lexiva will become the #1 PI this year. Bank on it, folks!

[Anonymous]

Epzicom will become the market leader in 2010 and Lexiva will become the #1 PI this year. Bank on it, folks!

I notice the time of this post was early AM. This individua'ls narcotic cocktail must have been at maxium therapuetic levels. Translation "ALL FUCKED UP"

[Anonymous]

Well we are know the GSK-HIV MO - since the drugs are dogs, and we can't sell based on science, why not invite docs to weekend getaways?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for a dead horse named Epzicom. Anybody seen it?

[Anonymous]

No, but somebody has beaten a mule named Abacavir to a bloody pulp around the corner.

[Anonymous]

No, but somebody has beaten a mule named Abacavir to a bloody pulp around the corner.

You have no brains and need to beaten to a bloody pulp.

[Anonymous]

You have no brains and need to beaten to a bloody pulp.

No brains is actually Combivir and it's buried out back.

[Anonymous]

Well we are know the GSK-HIV MO - since the drugs are dogs, and we can't sell based on science, why not invite docs to weekend getaways?

Weekend getaways? Do tell...

[Anonymous]

There was already an entire thread devoted on reps taking docs on trips a while back..I think it was in southern CA

[Anonymous]

There was already an entire thread devoted on reps taking docs on trips a while back..I think it was in southern CA

San Diego

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for a dead horse named Epzicom. Anybody seen it?

So Pete Hare has a big secret announcement? Just look on Forbes.com and you will see that GSK just paid a fortune for an NNRTI in Phase 2 trials. It will be at least another 2 years before it sees the street. And so we are supposed to be happy over the next 24 months selling Epzidog and Laughsiva? Bye bye, GSK!

[Anonymous]

So Pete Hare has a big secret announcement? Just look on Forbes.com and you will see that GSK just paid a fortune for an NNRTI in Phase 2 trials. It will be at least another 2 years before it sees the street. And so we are supposed to be happy over the next 24 months selling Epzidog and Laughsiva? Bye bye, GSK!
I saw the purchase and was SHOCKED at the price that was paid for the non-nuke without a name - PHASE-FRICKIN-TWO! GSK should have been making these kinds of deals several years ago. Epzicom never took off in spite of being approved the same day as Truvada and now Lexiva is the only leg left to stand on- and it's a peg leg at best. With a few non-nukes already out there, Tibotec working on one of their own and a few others in different phase studies, this is too little too late. You might as well call us insignificant from here on out in HIV. I agree, thanks for the ride GSK but I am out. Yeah, there isn't much of a market out there but this division and it's leadership are a JOKE.

[Anonymous]

I saw the purchase and was SHOCKED at the price that was paid for the non-nuke without a name - PHASE-FRICKIN-TWO! GSK should have been making these kinds of deals several years ago. Epzicom never took off in spite of being approved the same day as Truvada and now Lexiva is the only leg left to stand on- and it's a peg leg at best. With a few non-nukes already out there, Tibotec working on one of their own and a few others in different phase studies, this is too little too late. You might as well call us insignificant from here on out in HIV. I agree, thanks for the ride GSK but I am out. Yeah, there isn't much of a market out there but this division and it's leadership are a JOKE.

Not sure if you are still with the division but if so.....you are welcome to leave.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if you are still with the division but if so.....you are welcome to leave.

Ahh...one of the cheerleaders we hired several years ago with the statement, "Your resume looks impressive" wink-wink...

[Anonymous]

Not sure if you are still with the division but if so.....you are welcome to leave.

All of the data our of CROI this week made someone quite grumpy. Dust off the resume, simpleton.

[Anonymous]

All of the data our of CROI this week made someone quite grumpy. Dust off the resume, simpleton.

There is no escaping it. This goose is cooked.

[Anonymous]

There is no escaping it. This goose is cooked.

You know, the data is absolutely the final nail in the coffin for Epzicom. And yet, not a wimper from EPZ Marketing! Not even His Royal Highness, Nathan "Dummer than Shit" Simms has an answer for customers! The GSK response will be silence. And the prescriber response will be no scripts. When marketshare for Epzicom hits 4% nationwide, and nobody makes their sales targets over the next three quarters, how will they expect the sales force to remain in HIV at GSK?

[Anonymous]

You know, the data is absolutely the final nail in the coffin for Epzicom. And yet, not a wimper from EPZ Marketing! Not even His Royal Highness, Nathan "Dummer than Shit" Simms has an answer for customers! The GSK response will be silence. And the prescriber response will be no scripts. When marketshare for Epzicom hits 4% nationwide, and nobody makes their sales targets over the next three quarters, how will they expect the sales force to remain in HIV at GSK?

You obviously are not with GSK because we have already had conference calls with more to follow including HCPs, get off this board idiot.

[Anonymous]

You obviously are not with GSK because we have already had conference calls with more to follow including HCPs, get off this board idiot.

The BLACK BOX WARNING is coming. We need to be very careful about what we are saying to providers these days about this associated MI risk with abacavir. Not only are our reputations at risk but it is the future of our company that is at stake - Remember Vioxx? I'm sure Merck does.

[Anonymous]

The BLACK BOX WARNING is coming. We need to be very careful about what we are saying to providers these days about this associated MI risk with abacavir. Not only are our reputations at risk but it is the future of our company that is at stake - Remember Vioxx? I'm sure Merck does.

help me please!! help me please!!!!

[Anonymous]

Wake up loyal GSK HIV Specialists. You better start updated your resume and saving your money because layoffs will come and bonuses will shrink.

You guys are on survival mode. Just trying to retain business and keep market share from falling. Is your market shr. target a negative number because if it is then red flag time.

Keep up the good fight.

[Anonymous]

Why? I mean both Epzicom and Lexiva got glowing reviews at the latest CROI meeting? LOL

Yup, goose is cooked.

[Anonymous]

You obviously are not with GSK because we have already had conference calls with more to follow including HCPs, get off this board idiot.

And so, conference calls have been held about CROI. And another is being held tomorrow morning. But tell me this: what have they told us to say? What is the snappy marketing message that will turn around the negative cardiovascular story with Epzidog? What is the marketing strategy, exactly? The answer is not there. There is no strategy. Just continue to call in favors from your docs, stay focused and positive, and hope it all goes away. It will go away. Epzidog's market share will begin to tank in a big way. Watch your numbers!

[Anonymous]

The BLACK BOX WARNING is coming. We need to be very careful about what we are saying to providers these days about this associated MI risk with abacavir. Not only are our reputations at risk but it is the future of our company that is at stake - Remember Vioxx? I'm sure Merck does.

Great advice. What will you say to the loyal customers who listened and believed our GSK explanations about MI risk? How will you walk into their offices and admit that the data is right, and we were wrong? And more importantly, how about the patients who we supposedly care about? Who will tell them that GSK lied to their doctors and hid the truth about Epzicom? When do we start taking the High Road???

[Anonymous]

Great advice. What will you say to the loyal customers who listened and believed our GSK explanations about MI risk? How will you walk into their offices and admit that the data is right, and we were wrong? And more importantly, how about the patients who we supposedly care about? Who will tell them that GSK lied to their doctors and hid the truth about Epzicom? When do we start taking the High Road???

Uhm, Lexiva isn't exactly without its issues, either. Great drugs to promote, GSK! lol

[Anonymous]

You mean we aren't number 1 anymore?

[Anonymous]

You mean we aren't number 1 anymore?

According to my manager, sales numbers will be reviewed every month until June. Then, "Pete Hare will have some very important and distasteful decisions to make" regarding head count in the HIV Division. So there's the truth. HIV Sales will be cut, to the extent that sales numbers fall short of goals. And how about those goals? "Grow US" is an unattainable dream. What do you want me to use to grow sales? What has Marketing given the field that will convince a doctor that Epzicom is safe? The one small ACTG trial is far outweighed by the 6 other trials showing CV risk. And Lexiva....where do I begin? So I guess they are right when GSK says..."it's not just one thing, its' everything!"

[Anonymous]

According to my manager, sales numbers will be reviewed every month until June. Then, "Pete Hare will have some very important and distasteful decisions to make" regarding head count in the HIV Division. So there's the truth. HIV Sales will be cut, to the extent that sales numbers fall short of goals. And how about those goals? "Grow US" is an unattainable dream. What do you want me to use to grow sales? What has Marketing given the field that will convince a doctor that Epzicom is safe? The one small ACTG trial is far outweighed by the 6 other trials showing CV risk. And Lexiva....where do I begin? So I guess they are right when GSK says..."it's not just one thing, its' everything!"

For heavens sake, GSK has more HIV reps then Gilead. Dooms day is way over due for the GSK sales force and in house. Marketing, HA HA, all they do is trip over each other without accomplishing a damn thing, they need to stay out of the way and find something constructive to do.

[Anonymous]

According to my manager, sales numbers will be reviewed every month until June. Then, "Pete Hare will have some very important and distasteful decisions to make" regarding head count in the HIV Division. So there's the truth. HIV Sales will be cut, to the extent that sales numbers fall short of goals. And how about those goals? "Grow US" is an unattainable dream. What do you want me to use to grow sales? What has Marketing given the field that will convince a doctor that Epzicom is safe? The one small ACTG trial is far outweighed by the 6 other trials showing CV risk. And Lexiva....where do I begin? So I guess they are right when GSK says..."it's not just one thing, its' everything!"

Shouldn't somebody be held accountable for the demise of the division?

[Anonymous]

Shouldn't somebody be held accountable for the demise of the division?

Of course there should be people held accountable. Start with Pete "Peter Rabbit" Hare. Move downward to Marlon "Pittiful" Pittman and Tom "Laughable" Laughery. And then all of the wonderful marketing imbeciles, including Nathan "Nothing" Simms and the Dimwits. And Jeff "Crappy" Collins. Pathetic collection of clueless wonders at the HIV Helm. Driving us right onto the rocks. One word of advice to Witte: Sell this Division to Gilead. One word of advice to my fellow sales colleagues: get out. Get out now! What are you waiting for, your numbers to improve?? Get out!!!

[Anonymous]

Of course there should be people held accountable. Start with Pete "Peter Rabbit" Hare. Move downward to Marlon "Pittiful" Pittman and Tom "Laughable" Laughery. And then all of the wonderful marketing imbeciles, including Nathan "Nothing" Simms and the Dimwits. And Jeff "Crappy" Collins. Pathetic collection of clueless wonders at the HIV Helm. Driving us right onto the rocks. One word of advice to Witte: Sell this Division to Gilead. One word of advice to my fellow sales colleagues: get out. Get out now! What are you waiting for, your numbers to improve?? Get out!!!

And we would buy your lousy drugs with single digit market shares because why??????????

[Anonymous]

Of course there should be people held accountable. Start with Pete "Peter Rabbit" Hare. Move downward to Marlon "Pittiful" Pittman and Tom "Laughable" Laughery. And then all of the wonderful marketing imbeciles, including Nathan "Nothing" Simms and the Dimwits. And Jeff "Crappy" Collins. Pathetic collection of clueless wonders at the HIV Helm. Driving us right onto the rocks. One word of advice to Witte: Sell this Division to Gilead. One word of advice to my fellow sales colleagues: get out. Get out now! What are you waiting for, your numbers to improve?? Get out!!!

We just need a funeral wake. Done. HIV at GSK is a shell of what it used to be. So get out and get over it. Pete Hare has been interviewing all over the Northeast. He will be gone in about two months, mark my word.

[Anonymous]

You mean we aren't number 1 anymore?

Let's talk more about why we are not #1 anymore. Field leadership. Or the simple lack thereof. These RSD's are lost! No talent, no leadership skills, no common sense! Look at the newest in the Northeast. Poor DH is just that....duh! And the latest and greatest, direct from Lexiva Product Management, acts just like a Marlon Puppet! Pathetic excuses for people that are touted to be "natural leaders", with outstanding selling skills and people skills. HA! These are the real reasons why GSK and HIV are headed for disaster.

[Anonymous]

Let's talk more about why we are not #1 anymore. Field leadership. Or the simple lack thereof. These RSD's are lost! No talent, no leadership skills, no common sense! Look at the newest in the Northeast. Poor DH is just that....duh! And the latest and greatest, direct from Lexiva Product Management, acts just like a Marlon Puppet! Pathetic excuses for people that are touted to be "natural leaders", with outstanding selling skills and people skills. HA! These are the real reasons why GSK and HIV are headed for disaster.

That may be partially why, but equally to blame, if not more, is the fact that GSK has shitty HIV drugs. Would you really want to take Epzicom or Lexiva if you could pick other drugs that are less risky and have less side effects? I know I would! Shitty management and shitty drugs = poor performance.

[Anonymous]

We just need a funeral wake. Done. HIV at GSK is a shell of what it used to be. So get out and get over it. Pete Hare has been interviewing all over the Northeast. He will be gone in about two months, mark my word.

The HIV Division at GSK is best described as a dinosaur looking for a tar pit. Marlon and Pete are best described as bureaucrats looking for paper to shuffle. And the Marketing Morons are best described as lucky to be paid.

[Anonymous]

Any idea what the future holds as far as layoffs?? My RSD seems to be really adding to the stress level. Insider Scoop Appreciated. (Jokes aren't needed, I am worried about the livelihood of my family)

[Anonymous]

Layoffs, please tell me that you are exaggerating. I just had a really good interview this morning for a position in HIV. If I move, I hope that I won't get canned before training is over. What's the scoop - should I withdraw my name??? If I get the position I would start by the end of April.

[Anonymous]

Layoffs, please tell me that you are exaggerating. I just had a really good interview this morning for a position in HIV. If I move, I hope that I won't get canned before training is over. What's the scoop - should I withdraw my name??? If I get the position I would start by the end of April.

I honestly don't see how the division can continue without new products. The promoted products just aren't used much at all. With Epzicom being dogged with conflicting data about CV risk, and now even Lexiva is being questioned about similar risks, patients and providers have too many alternative drugs to use. I don't know what the pipeline looks like, so that is the wild card.

[Anonymous]

Why does anybody give a shit about this stupid division. Man you all act like it's important or something! Nobody cares! Quit posting to this stupid thread!

[Anonymous]

Any idea what the future holds as far as layoffs?? My RSD seems to be really adding to the stress level. Insider Scoop Appreciated. (Jokes aren't needed, I am worried about the livelihood of my family)

Well, some truth was released. The GSK Integrase inhibitor and the non-nuc are on a schedule to be released in four years, as in 2013. People, that's FOUR YEARS OF NO PRODUCT TO SELL! Think about it: Epzicom is dead. And Lexiva is dying a pretty fast death. So what will sales people do for FOUR years? How much bonus will be earned? How many targets will be lowered so someone gets a payout? What a nightmare!!!

[Anonymous]

I honestly don't see how the division can continue without new products. The promoted products just aren't used much at all. With Epzicom being dogged with conflicting data about CV risk, and now even Lexiva is being questioned about similar risks, patients and providers have too many alternative drugs to use. I don't know what the pipeline looks like, so that is the wild card.

Look at the previous post. There's your pipeline.

[Anonymous]

Look at the previous post. There's your pipeline.

The non-nuke better be more effective than Tibotec's 278 which will hit in 2010...regarding the integrase, it will be next to impossibe to compete with Gileads four drug in one pill integrase. GSK's HIV division appears dead in the water.

[Anonymous]

We just need a funeral wake. Done. HIV at GSK is a shell of what it used to be. So get out and get over it. Pete Hare has been interviewing all over the Northeast. He will be gone in about two months, mark my word.

One can only wish... As a reward for f**king up the HIV division and demoralizing the HIV sales force, Hare is getting a new immunology & inflammation business added to his sinking HIV ship. What does this say about GSK leadership? Incompetence pays as long as you kiss the right ass!

[Anonymous]

From a financial perspective, this division contributes a lot of revenue and a lot of profit from very old compounds (azt,3TC, abacavir) but the decline in market share with Combivir and Trizivir-although expected, have been much more dramatic than forecasted.

At the same time, Epzicom and Lexiva were expected to have reached much higher levels of acceptance (the company expected Epzicom to be at around 75% of Truvada's performance) and expected Lexiva to be above the performance of Reyataz).

So, you have much steeper declines in older products with incredibly poor performance of newer products. Add to that the failure of a highly touted drug in phase 3 (the CCR5 inhibitor which great things were expected).

Bottom line is that the forecast from just a couple of years ago was that Epzicom would be selling 3-4x more than it is, Lexiva would be selling 8x as much as it is, that a new CCR5 inhibitor would be first to market and contribute around half a billion by 2009, that Combivir and Trizivir would be selling twice as much as it is.

Also, if/when the NNRTI and integrase inhibitor come out, they will be so far behind Tibotec, Merck and Gilead products that it is more likely that GSK will abandon these compounds since they offer nothing that more established products already have.

My prediction is that in 2 years this division will have either 1/2 of the reps they currently have, possibly less, or will roll into some other division. There is not a need to promote old drugs that are not being put into new regimens. The strategy will be to just keep whatever business is already present and reps aren't needed for this. How many reps are out promoting Invirase, Viramune, Viracept?

[Anonymous]

My prediction is that in 2 years this division will have either 1/2 of the reps they currently have, possibly less, or will roll into some other division. There is not a need to promote old drugs that are not being put into new regimens. The strategy will be to just keep whatever business is already present and reps aren't needed for this. How many reps are out promoting Invirase, Viramune, Viracept?

BINGO!! Look at what has happened to Roche in the last year or so. Declining sales force due to lack of performance and loss of market share and even the reps are saying that they will be phased out within a few years as patent lives end - they think they will just be phased into their oncology division and with a future like that, who the hell could remain motivated. Sound familiar?

While the forecasts might have been off regarding the sales of both the new and old drugs, the writing is clearly on the board here and you summed a lot of that up in your post. Doctors are thankful for the contributions that GSK made to HIV but those are the days of old and to be frank, they aren't coming back. HIV belongs to Gilead, BMS and Tibotec may be entering a new period of happiness. It for sure doesn't belong to GSK. Although I fear that senior management is so delusional that it believes GSK HIV is still the top dog and will continue to be as long as marketing can keep spinning data and denying the facts.

GSK is a horse drawn carriage in a field of Porsches. Time to put this beast to pasture and think about options elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Why does anybody give a shit about this stupid division. Man you all act like it's important or something! Nobody cares! Quit posting to this stupid thread!

Blow me, jack ass

[Anonymous]

BINGO!! Look at what has happened to Roche in the last year or so. Declining sales force due to lack of performance and loss of market share and even the reps are saying that they will be phased out within a few years as patent lives end - they think they will just be phased into their oncology division and with a future like that, who the hell could remain motivated. Sound familiar?

While the forecasts might have been off regarding the sales of both the new and old drugs, the writing is clearly on the board here and you summed a lot of that up in your post. Doctors are thankful for the contributions that GSK made to HIV but those are the days of old and to be frank, they aren't coming back. HIV belongs to Gilead, BMS and Tibotec may be entering a new period of happiness. It for sure doesn't belong to GSK. Although I fear that senior management is so delusional that it believes GSK HIV is still the top dog and will continue to be as long as marketing can keep spinning data and denying the facts.

GSK is a horse drawn carriage in a field of Porsches. Time to put this beast to pasture and think about options elsewhere.
I thin you make a great point in that the leadership in this division doesn't seem to understand it's place (and it isn't first) in the HIV market anymore. You don't see Merck, Roche, or BI walking around thinking they are #1 in HIV yet that seems to be the impression here. I know it's wishful thinking but it's also delusional thinking that hurts us in the long run.

[Anonymous]

What do you think of the prospects of adding a CCR5 anatgonist named Selzentry into the mix? GSK has a gap and Pfizer is looking to exist the business. You heard it here first!

[Anonymous]

What do you think of the prospects of adding a CCR5 anatgonist named Selzentry into the mix? GSK has a gap and Pfizer is looking to exist the business. You heard it here first!

Oh - jump for joy. That dog generated a whopping 35 million for Pfizer last year. I guess line it up with the rest of the dogs in the GSK alley.

[Anonymous]

What do you think of the prospects of adding a CCR5 anatgonist named Selzentry into the mix? GSK has a gap and Pfizer is looking to exist the business. You heard it here first!

Pfizer had the misfortune of being the first drug in this class to come market-normally a good thing, but not in this case when the trofile assay at the time of launch was not as specific as it is now. This caused Pfizer to waste millions of dollars in the MERIT study where it was shown to be not non-inferior to Sustiva. Although a later analysis using the more accurate trofile assay showed the drug was indeed as effective, the idea of retrospectively revising the results won't help the drug, either with treaters or with the FDA (Pfizer will not get the drug approved for treatment-naive with a retrospective analysis). So Pfizer can either redo the studies or give up on the drug. Given their merger with Wyeth and statements about where they will focus their efforts it is likely they will abandon this product. While GSK is trying to buy Selzentry from Pfizer, they should also buy Viracept. After all, Viracept has been shown to be as good as boosted Lexiva! That way we can have two viable products and drop promotion of Epziom and Lexiva!

[Anonymous]

Pfizer had the misfortune of being the first drug in this class to come market-normally a good thing, but not in this case when the trofile assay at the time of launch was not as specific as it is now. This caused Pfizer to waste millions of dollars in the MERIT study where it was shown to be not non-inferior to Sustiva. Although a later analysis using the more accurate trofile assay showed the drug was indeed as effective, the idea of retrospectively revising the results won't help the drug, either with treaters or with the FDA (Pfizer will not get the drug approved for treatment-naive with a retrospective analysis). So Pfizer can either redo the studies or give up on the drug. Given their merger with Wyeth and statements about where they will focus their efforts it is likely they will abandon this product. While GSK is trying to buy Selzentry from Pfizer, they should also buy Viracept. After all, Viracept has been shown to be as good as boosted Lexiva! That way we can have two viable products and drop promotion of Epziom and Lexiva!

It's my understanding that GSK will get access to the entire Pfizer commercial portfolio.

[Anonymous]

Any truth to this rumor?

[Anonymous]

Pfizer had the misfortune of being the first drug in this class to come market-normally a good thing, but not in this case when the trofile assay at the time of launch was not as specific as it is now. This caused Pfizer to waste millions of dollars in the MERIT study where it was shown to be not non-inferior to Sustiva. Although a later analysis using the more accurate trofile assay showed the drug was indeed as effective, the idea of retrospectively revising the results won't help the drug, either with treaters or with the FDA (Pfizer will not get the drug approved for treatment-naive with a retrospective analysis). So Pfizer can either redo the studies or give up on the drug. Given their merger with Wyeth and statements about where they will focus their efforts it is likely they will abandon this product. While GSK is trying to buy Selzentry from Pfizer, they should also buy Viracept. After all, Viracept has been shown to be as good as boosted Lexiva! That way we can have two viable products and drop promotion of Epziom and Lexiva!

God help us all if there is any truth to this. Epzicom and Lexiva are bad enough and this thread certainly points this out but to pick up Selzentry and Viracept would show just how desperate a situation we are in. GET REAL!!! Trading in two street dogs for two pound puppies doesn't change the canine status of these drugs.

I have an idea, how about our Scientists get to work on getting us some products to sell. Or finding some better products to in license or purchase. We have done our part to bring GSK to the frontline of HIV therapy but the company has failed to keep us there. Adding third rate drugs to our bags to sell just doesn't cut it.

Hey Senior Management

If you need a model to build on, just look at Gilead. They are running circles around us when it very well could have been the other way around without your mismanagement of a crown jewel of the company. Way to squander a good thing.

Pissed

[Anonymous]

Anyone excited about The National Meeting? The Conference Call last week really pumped me up!

[Anonymous]

Any truth to this rumor?


7:00 AM 4/16

[Anonymous]

7:00 AM 4/16

SAY IT'S NOT TRUE!

[Anonymous]

SAY IT'S NOT TRUE!
I could, but it would be a lie

[Anonymous]

Can someone provide Dominique Limet's GSK eMail address? I'm looking for a job in the new organization.

[Anonymous]

Or the US HIV commercial marketing lead? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Of course there should be people held accountable. Start with Pete "Peter Rabbit" Hare. Move downward to Marlon "Pittiful" Pittman and Tom "Laughable" Laughery. And then all of the wonderful marketing imbeciles, including Nathan "Nothing" Simms and the Dimwits. And Jeff "Crappy" Collins. Pathetic collection of clueless wonders at the HIV Helm. Driving us right onto the rocks. One word of advice to Witte: Sell this Division to Gilead. One word of advice to my fellow sales colleagues: get out. Get out now! What are you waiting for, your numbers to improve?? Get out!!!

The surest way to ensure that the new HIV JV is run to the ground is to put Hare and his minions in charge again.

[Anonymous]

Next weeks meeting is going to be so uplifting and motivating, I can hardly wait to role play. And remember it is going to be real world. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I hope I get a severance package I am so sick of this place and its toxic morale.

[Anonymous]

Well, good news is that Selzentry has a patent that lasts till 2020. With abacavir and lamivudine going generic next year, we all have at least one drug (goodbye to Epzicom, Combivir and Trizivir) to sell for the next 18 years!!!!

Oh I forgot about Lexiva!

[Anonymous]

So now we have to wait until Fourth Quarter to see who will be de-selected? That's a long time to stress. No way in hell I'm putting any effort into this shithole until I get a better idea of what my fate is.

Very classy, tell wall street you have a great joint venture plan but don't tell the folks within your ranks what the plan is. Way to leave us hanging, assholes.

[Anonymous]

From the Pfizer board...I couldn't agree more...

Exactly! WTF are they thinking when they say it will create new opportunities to create fixed dosed combo pills?!!! A CCR5/Lexiva/Epzicom pill or Combivir (BID!!!)/Lexiva/CCR5 pill. Really!??? This will help about ...oh...5 patients in my state. Wall street might be thinking "new Atripla" but this is smoke and mirrors and there is nothing in the pipeline that gets me excited. The current drugs have their limitations and so combining them with pipeline drugs gives you a very limited scope. Wall street may have been fooled but there is no way that the FDA or doctors will be. We've got some real nutjobs at the top of the two companies to spin this kind of nonsense.

[Anonymous]

So now we have to wait until Fourth Quarter to see who will be de-selected? That's a long time to stress. No way in hell I'm putting any effort into this shithole until I get a better idea of what my fate is.

Very classy, tell wall street you have a great joint venture plan but don't tell the folks within your ranks what the plan is. Way to leave us hanging, assholes.

You may be jobless and homeless in 7 to 8 months but don't worry, stay focused and ignore your livelyhood, it's that easy.

[Anonymous]

You may be jobless and homeless in 7 to 8 months but don't worry, stay focused and ignore your livelyhood, it's that easy.

They will squeeze till the end making people feel good do more and live longer.

[Anonymous]

From the Pfizer board...I couldn't agree more...

Exactly! WTF are they thinking when they say it will create new opportunities to create fixed dosed combo pills?!!! A CCR5/Lexiva/Epzicom pill or Combivir (BID!!!)/Lexiva/CCR5 pill. Really!??? This will help about ...oh...5 patients in my state. Wall street might be thinking "new Atripla" but this is smoke and mirrors and there is nothing in the pipeline that gets me excited. The current drugs have their limitations and so combining them with pipeline drugs gives you a very limited scope. Wall street may have been fooled but there is no way that the FDA or doctors will be. We've got some real nutjobs at the top of the two companies to spin this kind of nonsense.

Exactly! This is a big announcement but very little potential since it is combining two companies with poor drugs. Wall Street was interested because the size of GSK and Pfizer, as well as the idea that GSK is/was a leader in HIV. For those who follow the HIV marketplace a bit more closely they know that GSK's products are very, very old and tired (and dropping in MS) and that Pfizer's big entry is not used very much. A FDC with Selzentry makes very little sense because it is BID. There is not an opportunity for a treatment-naive FDC since the issues of MI/efficacy with Epzicom will always be hanging over that drug. Combivir is heading to the ash heap of HIV history (to hang out with Trizivir, Crixivan, and the BMS nucleosides). Sorry but this is about the past, not the future. The only potential is that a stand-alone HIV company may attract small companies with HIV compounds in the pipeline to work with Pfizer/GSK but the most attractive drugs are from Gilead and other bigger companies.

[Anonymous]

Selzentry is a QD drug, it's just that Pfizer elected not to include it in the label Take a look at the 48 NEJM article. The issue was that Pfizer still hasn't locked down the Pk/Pd data at 24 weeks and didn't want to spend any additional money in research. Selzentry combined with ritonavir enhances duration of action. It is speculated that a 450 mg dose would do the trick. GSK has more of an opportunity then it realizes.

[Anonymous]

Exactly! This is a big announcement but very little potential since it is combining two companies with poor drugs. Wall Street was interested because the size of GSK and Pfizer, as well as the idea that GSK is/was a leader in HIV. For those who follow the HIV marketplace a bit more closely they know that GSK's products are very, very old and tired (and dropping in MS) and that Pfizer's big entry is not used very much. A FDC with Selzentry makes very little sense because it is BID. There is not an opportunity for a treatment-naive FDC since the issues of MI/efficacy with Epzicom will always be hanging over that drug. Combivir is heading to the ash heap of HIV history (to hang out with Trizivir, Crixivan, and the BMS nucleosides). Sorry but this is about the past, not the future. The only potential is that a stand-alone HIV company may attract small companies with HIV compounds in the pipeline to work with Pfizer/GSK but the most attractive drugs are from Gilead and other bigger companies.

This move is more about cost cuts for both companies than about building a HIV pipeline. GSK fucked up the HIV business going from leader to a laggard, has-been while Pfizer was looking to exit the area. So the JV allows both to reduce spend in the area and use the savings to invest in other areas. That's essentially what it came down to. Don't listen to all the PR crap about building some world class HIV business because it ain't happening.

[Anonymous]

Selzentry is a QD drug, it's just that Pfizer elected not to include it in the label Take a look at the 48 NEJM article. The issue was that Pfizer still hasn't locked down the Pk/Pd data at 24 weeks and didn't want to spend any additional money in research. Selzentry combined with ritonavir enhances duration of action. It is speculated that a 450 mg dose would do the trick. GSK has more of an opportunity then it realizes.

Selzentry is a BID drug. MOTIVATE showed that QD was not as effective as BID and MERIT didn't even include a QD arm. "...it's just that Pfizer elected not to include it in the label". ??? What, are you crazy! If you have a QD drug, you sell it as QD. Yes, in the NEJM article QD was included but BID was vastly superior. GSK is the master of screwing up QD and BID (think Lexiva and dosing symmetry). It is more likely future CCR5 inhibitors will have success since they won't have to combat a negative study (MERIT) and issues with dosing.

[Anonymous]

2 HIV companies with dog HIV drugs coming together! Gee, maybe you idiots will combine the piece of crap Combivir or Epzicom with Viracept.

HAAHAHHAHAHAAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[Anonymous]

Selzentry is a BID drug. MOTIVATE showed that QD was not as effective as BID and MERIT didn't even include a QD arm. "...it's just that Pfizer elected not to include it in the label". ??? What, are you crazy! If you have a QD drug, you sell it as QD. Yes, in the NEJM article QD was included but BID was vastly superior. GSK is the master of screwing up QD and BID (think Lexiva and dosing symmetry). It is more likely future CCR5 inhibitors will have success since they won't have to combat a negative study (MERIT) and issues with dosing.

You might want to ask your KOLs and please look at the data. Don't focus on what Pfizer didn't do. I have been told by members from their medical team that Pfizer didn't want to confuse physicians with the inclusion of both BID and QD data in the label similar to the issues that happened with Abbott. Even the FDA challenged Pfizer at their hearing about why they weren't including the QD information given the data. If you simply look at what happens to Selzentry drug levels when used with a CYP3A inhibitor, you will get why boosting could be the ticket. Why do you think vicraviroc from Schering is QD (it's the combination with ritonavir)? At 24 weeks, which is what the initial label is based, there was separation between BID and QD arms in efficacy. At 48 weeks, the arms merge. The issue with Selzentry is that the most likely optimum dose is 450 mg QD and not 300 or 600 mg as has been studied. Additionally, the Merit results shows how important appropriate test sensitivity is relative to outcomes.

[Anonymous]

2 HIV companies with dog HIV drugs coming together! Gee, maybe you idiots will combine the piece of crap Combivir or Epzicom with Viracept.

HAAHAHHAHAHAAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

WOW! Just finished our National Sales Meeting and Brainwashing Session in Dallas today. Never has so little been said over such a long time! "Only 1 GSK person has been named to the new JV", according to Hare. But look at all the upper management that has been named to the Board of Directors! What a beautiful thing this JV will be, with virtually the same leadership as the current bozos and creeps. If you want a new cake, start with new ingredients! With no new thinkers at the top, the new venture is doomed to the current failures and mistakes.