Memorable E-Mails

Discussion in 'Pinnacle Biologics' started by Anonymous, Dec 9, 2012 at 6:47 PM.

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  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Dear All,

    This Sunday will mark the end of the first half of 2012. I would like to thank you all for the contributions to the success of Pinnacle. As in every organization, at any moment in time, we have had our highs and lows. I do not want that the poor results achieved commercially in the second quarter overcast other significant achievement and advances obtained by our organization this year.

    First of all, organizationally we are more solid and better staffed to deal with the challenges and opportunities in our hands: Bob and Sharon, Vandana, Beth and Carlos are all very good and talented additions that are alredy having impact and possitvely contributing to our organization.

    Most importantly we made tremendous strides advancing the implementation of our short and long term strategy:
    • Expansion of Indications:
    o Hired a consultant to help of prioritize the Photofrin pipeline and defined a development road going forward.
    o Subbmitted application to the FDA to obtain approval for Cholangio Carcinoma in the USA. If approved, Photofrin will become standard of Care in this indication opening a coomercial opportunity for the product in excess of $150 million dollars.
    o Completed audit of the meshotelioma data at U-Penn. We will be requesting FDA guidance in the second half of the year to seek approval for this indication. If approved this will create a $20 million commercial opportunity for Photofrin.
    o Began negotiating with the Wisconsing medical School a dose ranging trial for Photofrin in Brain Cancer.
    o Conducted an advisory board meeting for Phofrin in Head and Neck to prioritize indications and opportunities in this field.
    • Control de Modality
    o Signed a global agreement with Inter-Medic for laser. Placed an order for four new lasers at the end of the second quarter. Now we have customized, portable, compact and reliable laser available.
    o Signed a US agreement with Medlight to expand the offering of fibers: pretty soon will be filing for Ballon Cathether, Flexible fiber and other customized fibers under Pinnacle trademarks.
    • Geographical Expansion:
    o Signed agreement with Bioprojet to distribute Photofrin in Europe
    o Began conversation with potential Photofrin distributors in China, India, South America and the Middle East. The goal is to complete agreements and file for regulatory approvals in the second half of the year.
    • Pricing:
    o Increased prices in Canada, Japan and Argentina.
    • Solidify existing business in existing indications:
    o Conducted PDT day at OSU. Gained recognition by global OL's in PDT for Pinnacle in Photodynbamic Therapy.
    o Participated in Advances in Gastroenterology Course in Cornell, DDW, Chest, etc.
    o Completed assesment of territories, account targenting and account development strategies. Need to focus on commercial execution in the second half of the year.
    o Finalizing contract to pilot five centers of excelence across the US. Again commercial execution is key for the succesful implementation of this program in the second half of this year.
    o Ready to star OSU registry in July, all planning, contracts, develoment and software developed. Again focus on execution will be key in the second half of the year.
    • Medical Affairs;
    o Have a solid and well developed program in this area to conduct trials to support the new indications and expansion of indications, support investigator initiated trials, hired MSL's and completing training of the same.

    At the risk of sound as a politician seeking reelection to the office, the question to all and specifically to the sales persons and fellow employees that join us from Aptalis is: ARE WE BETTER OF TODAY THAN 18 MONTHS AGO? see how much have we done in the past 18 months...do our customers know this? are we afraid of facing our customers and let them now all what we've done? do we believe the price is an issue when we have things to show?

    We have a superior product and technology, we have recently published clinical data validating our claims in approved indications, we know the shortcomings and failure rate of competing products, we are in a different company committed and supporting the product and technology, don't see a reason to check out and give up!

    As we beging the second half of this year we are going to be extremely demanding: we need to execute flawesly and that is the goal to all.

    We will conduct during the month of July the second update or LBE for this year: we need this to be a careful exercise. From top line to expenses, down to programs, we need to decide how much are we going to spend, in which programs, how much realistically can we execute, program by program, area by area. this will be a more detailed exercise than the previous terms. Given the first half results it is critical to show responsibility not only in managing the resources, but in assessing how much, when, timing and calendarization. Every functional area will review the update with staff and a package will have to be ready by the end of July for my review. This time we will need to take the timing of expenses very seriously. Gary, Karen and Paul will be coordinating this effort.

    Again, thank you all for your contribution to Pinnacle.

    Best and Happy Four of July!
     

  2. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    All,

    Please open the attachment to clarify your vial goals for the rest of 2012. Please note that the national number has been reduced to 700 for the year. We have numerous projects and programs that are nearing completion to assist you in attaining your goals- some examples are listed below:
    Time Event
    • Ongoing Healthy Mind/Healthy Body program on PDT is running on PBS and will for another two years
    • May 11-12 OSU PDT Workshop- clinical updates on all potential uses from around the world. Update on basic science of the drug
    • June 2012 Cerenti presents its sales and MSL playbooks- recommendations made on engaging our customers so as to create value for the customer and Pinnacle.
    • June- July 2012 Prospective patient enrollment in a Database
    • October 2012 JNCCN supplement

    These are just a few of the major updates. Of course we are working on updating the IPAD to include the Lindenmann reprint etc… as other support for your efforts.

    Sales are off to a tepid start this quarter. Stay positive in your presentations- PDT does deliver durable outcomes. Please continue to present appropriate patient profiles.

    Lung
    • Bloody tumors with recruitable airways

    Esophageal cancers
    • In non- surgical patients- utilize PDT first to get a statistical increase in survival – i.e. a much more durable response compared to other modalities.

    The updated bonus plan will be delivered in a short time. The program is going to be more similar than different- hence use this time to increase utilization so as to secure financial rewards.

    Please contact me if you have any questions.
     
  3. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Dear All Photofrin PDT Specialists:

    We are conducting research to develop a comprehensive list of patient profiles for which Photofrin can be used currently by physicians. We have set up this discussion online on iKONVERSE. This is intended as a completely open, honest and informal exchange where you can post your ideas as yourself, anonymously or a pseudonym. It is also private so that we will see what we say but no one outside of the group will see anything.

    You will be receiving an email with an invite and a link to this group from iKONVERSE. Please join as soon as you can and post to anytime you want over the next several days from your laptop or iPAD.

    This is for Cerenti’s research purposes. Do not use any part of the discussion as a sales aid. One will be provided to you later after consolidation, expert review and regulatory clearance.

    See you soon online!
     
  4. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    "All,

    Please see the review of the Lindenmann article. This format may assist you in memorizing some key aspects of the paper. In addition, the reference guide will take you to the appropriate section.

    Eventually we will get a format of this recap onto the IPAD

    Best regards,

    Brad Herrmann"

    We were told to share this article with our customers. And after a few months, we were told to destroy the article. Can't you guys make up your mind?
     
  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    All,

    This could be a lengthy email- please be sure to review carefully. There are two key sections “sales force focus” and the second part is “corporate initiatives”. Below are the tasks to ensure we attain this year’s quota- more information will be described in the corporate initiatives. Please review the sales force focus issues below:

    Sales Force Focus

    • Key customers activities needed to ensure delivery of sales
    o Roswell Park
    o UPMC
    o Cornell
    o Chicago
    • Key customers visits to spot issues and recommend solutions
    o Wang
    o Miami
    o Cornell
    o OSU
    o West coast issues
    • Sales force productivity improvement
    o Identify actions and implementation activities

    The critical activities associated with the first two bullets are captured in the weekly activity list that is attached. Please open and review the excel spread sheet.
    • Please review the accounts listed above- appropriately managing those accounts and areas of interest will ensure that the organization attains their financial goals.
    • I have already reached out to the responsible representatives to organize ride alongs to ensure that those accounts perform as needed.

    Sales Force Productivity
    • Cerenti (consultants) is a research organization that most of you have meet in the last few months. Their new task is to build a playbook / guide to increase sales productivity. Please extend a courtesy to Cerenti when they reach out to you for clarity on issues or field travel.
    • Focus your activities on your primary accounts. Please review the chart below. I want to reinforce the strategy of focusing on your top five hospitals with at least 75% of your effort. In fact, all of you have less than five centers that purchased product more than three times in the last twelve months. You best chance of growth is to focus on increasing usage at those accounts that ordered at least three times in 2011.

    Corporate Initiatives.
    Centers of Excellence
    • Representatives are identifying and initiating referral programs for these key physicians
    • The Photofrin website will be updated this month to reflect the special nature of the hospital with the designation of “Center of Excellence”

    Healthy Body/Healthy Mind
    • A program on PBS that focuses on PDT at OSU. 30 minute program that will start running at the end of the month.
    • I will be sending you a link for the video soon- plus we will download to the Photofrin website and IPAD.

    OSU Database
    • Goal is to collect multi-institutional data that would provide data that will generate a paper for the 2013 STS.

    OSU PDT Event: May 11-12
    • 16 physician from around the world will present their perspective on PDT from basic science to translational capability and finally clinic experience.
    • The presentations at this meeting will be used to create a supplement to the Journal of NCCN. The supplement will published in October 2012.

    Laser refurbishing Program
    • Details are being finalized on the process.
    • The details will be communicated to you before the end of the month.

    Marketing Updates
    • You should be getting you a top line of the Lindenmann in the next 10 days
    o Will send you via Fed Ex 30 copies as soon as we receive the reprint
    • We plan on updating the IPAD with a new patient case in the next 10 days
    • We will update the MIRF with the appropriate email address in the next 10 days
    • An updated Photofrin website should be up and running by next week.

    Revised Vial Quota

    • The organization has done a latest best estimate (LBE) and have determined that the original vial projections may have been too aggressive.
    • The vial quota for the sales team will be restated to 700 vials for the year 2012 effective April 1, 2012
    o The incentive program will be altered to reflect the new quota
    o The new incentive plan will be sent to you within the next 10 to 15 days.
    • This revised goal will have an impact on Q2 to Q4 only- Q1 will not be restate to the revised quota.

    MSL Update
    • The organization is hiring two additional MSL- which will bring the MSL headcount to three
    • Turnover of accounts with experimental focus will be in full effect -once the MSL’s are in place.
    • Your job is to focus on solidifying our core business.

    Clinical Update
    • Last month- Cerenti provided a 10 year frame work for the brand last month.
    • The organization is taking steps to appropriately engage customers and issues related to the long term growth of the company and brand.

    We are taking actions on multiple issues so as to build an appropriate foundation for the brand and the organization. Your efforts are critical to the success of the organization. I believe that it has been too long since our last face to face interaction- however I believe delaying our meeting until we get the Cerenti information is a sound decision. You task is to stay engaged with your customers and confident in the organization. We need consistent utilization from customers and you are the key to that task. The company has a very bright future with a significant opportunity to demonstrate organic growth- which creates possibilities for everyone.

    Please contact me if you have any questions.
     
  6. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Hello team,

    It has been officially one year since Pinnacle has taken over the brand. You should be very proud of the accomplishments of the organization. At this stage- I would like to request that everyone to do the following:
    • Acknowledge your success in implementing the price increase last year
    • Become more comfortable with risk.
    • Demands are high at the organization- yet you cannot improve if you do not take risks to improve your business situation.
    • The biggest risk is continue to perform business in the same manner as you have in the past.
    • You need to believe in Pinnacle and offer insights, ideas and solutions to grow the brand.

    I have attached two power point presentations. One is from Cerenti which provides the results from their research and the second presentation is from Guillermo which he presented to the internal staff yesterday. I will review both with you on Monday.

    One of your biggest challenges is that you represented the brand with Axcan and you now cover PDT for Pinnacle. You need to be work on differentiating you and Pinnacle from the efforts of the past. Pinnacle’s plan is to make PDT three time the size of Axcan/Aptalis in 10 years!! That type of growth will create significant opportunities for everyone.

    When issues arise in the field- be positive that an appropriate outcome will be identified and executed!! The biggest challenge I have in my current role is “having the imagination and courage” to focus on the opportunities and solutions and not just acknowledge the issues. The reality is that this organization has an outstanding future- however that future is predicated on effective execution of the commercial team. I am requesting that you take risks and have the courage to think through and propose valid opportunities and solutions that are wins/wins for your customers and the organization.

    One of the current issues are the lasers. I have conveyed to you that we are working on a long term solution- import new lasers from a Spanish manufacturer. I am pleased to inform you that we are working on a new short term projected related to lasers. Once I get final approval- I will share the details.

    Please review the attached presentations before Monday’s teleconference. I believe you will find the information very exciting.
     
  7. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    All,

    I heard reports regarding the Lindenmann article while in France this week. Please note that the Lindenmann article is our most powerful new information since Minnich. Next steps:
    • Please review both articles- with special focus on Lindenmann
    • We will be purchasing Lindenmann for you to distribute in the very near future.
    • We will build a review application for the IPAD- that will take some time (early summer)


    This is very interesting data that- once again- supports the durable response seen with PDT with Photofrin. In addition, the additional survival described indicates that PDT with Photofrin is a reasonable value for extended survival in esophageal palliation- please see the abstract conclusion below:

    Conclusion: By using an individualized multimodal approach,
    an acceptable mean survival time can be achieved
    in advanced esophageal cancer treated with palliative intention.
    PDT, if used as initial endoluminal treatment in
    patients without gross tumor infiltration into the mediastinum,
    the great vessels or the tracheo-bronchial tree,
    enables a considerable beneficial effect in the palliative
    setting.

    Additional activities:
    • We are going to extend by 30 minutes ( an entire hour) the Monday teleconference. Please do your best to accommodate your schedule to participate in that teleconference.
    • Please review the article before the teleconference- please do not share the data with your customers until after we discuss the paper as group.

    This is very exciting opportunity for the team- we need to clearly understand the opportunity and then execute.

    Please contact me if you have any questions.
     
  8. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Dear All,

    About a year ago we completed the global acquisition of PHOTOFRIN® a transformational event for the life of our company. I am not going to focus in this communication on the obvious benefits of such movement, and the visible actions we have taken so far.
    The focus of this communication is to emphasize the progress we made so far in understanding the brand, repositioning it, laying out the future development and priorities and creating our own identity apart from the previous owners and the past associated to this brand.
    WHY WE ARE MUCH BETTER OF TODAY THAN A YEAR AGO:
    We have an organization mostly focused on PDT: for the time being the success of PDT will be our success and we have not spared resources to properly and aggressively fund the development of this technology:
    • We have created the Global PDT Scientific Advisory Board, Chaired by Patrick Ross, MD, PhD; the charter of this advisory board, among others, will be the prioritization of product development, recommendation of clinical/regulatory strategies and the overall guidance to the company in the implementation of our long term plan.
    • We have a long term plan vision for PDT and its role in the treatment of cancer. We have just completed a product/market comprehensive strategic development analysis for PDT where product development priorities, market communications, relationships with patient associations and stakeholders are all perfectly laid out.
    • We are negotiating the supply under Pinnacle of laser and diffusers, so the delivery of the technique is not dependent on others. We are also tightening the supply chain, so there will be no surprises or product shortages in the future.
    • We are reaching out to potential complementary technologies and products to become the global leader in PDT.
    WE NEED TO TURN THE PAGE AND RECOGNIZE THAN WE ARE A DIFFERENT COMPANY THAN THE PREVIOUS OWNERS AND REFLECT THAT IN OUR DAILY ACTIONS AND INTERACTIONS WITH CUSTOMERS AND STAKE HOLDERS:
    • We will be filing soon cholangio-carcinoma and mesothelioma indications. Indeed meetings are already requested with the FDA, packages have been sending, advisors have been hired, negotiations with the different parties involved are already underway: this is no longer a promise or a dream, we are executing.
    • Together with above application we now have a market strategy for the flexible fibers, and we are executing on it!
    • By the end of March we will have a Head and Neck advisory board in Chicago; this meeting will lay out the future development of this indication.
    • We have mapped out the long term where do we want to go:
    1. Cholangio-carcinoma and Mesothelioma first
    2. Head and Neck, Brain and Chest Wall Recurrent Breast Cancer following
    3. Bladder
    • We need to substantially improve the sales force productivity: we need to find new ways of doing things:
    1. A target account management process may be the key to building sales at leading institutions: recognizing that every account is different and requires a different process
    2. A balanced and responsible sales and MSL lead approach needs to be developed naturally responding to the applicable regulations and restrictions (this is subject to legal review and approval)
    3. A targeted and concerted referral program lead and manage by us
    • We need to create, strengthen and develop partnerships with patient organizations
    • We need to change the way PHOTOFRIN is presented to customers and prescribers:
    1. It seems that for the last few years the only thing we say is “focus on Minich paper and recap the benefits of the product!
    2. We need to proactively present PDT and PHOTOFRIN as” THE PREFERRED THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO COMBAT THE ENEMY”
     With Photofrin other options are preserved
     Photofrin provides a multimodal attack against even invisible cells
    • Tumoricidal Cascade:
    o Cell necrosis, Apoptosis and Vascular Constriction
    • Penetration into mucosal linings
     Better QOL: Let patients make the most of the time they have
    • Avoids or postpones need for radical resections
    • Lowers tumor burden to remove obstructions
    THERE IS PLENTY OF LIFE FOR PHOTOFRIN AFTER APTALIS IF WE UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE DOING AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO CHANGE. WE ARE NOT GOING TO TURN THIS BUSINESS AROUND UNLESS WE FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGE THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS.
    Obviously this longer term view requires good performance in the short term’ we are well financed but we need to show we are changing for the better; I am challenging each of you to deliver in the next 10 days, an average of one vial per day which of course should be associated with a patient treatment. We need to close this quarter strong and I am extremely disappointed with the overall performance of the last three months, sales are not flowing with regularity…I believe because we keep doing the past practices instead of turning the page and realize that you have a company fully committed to this therapy. There will be a special Chairman Incentive for the group payable to every individual that meets the challenge of 10 vials between today and March 24, provided that the group collectively achieves 60 vials between today and the 24th of March.
     
  9. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    All,

    I want to thank you for your input and insights during out meetings in Fort Lauderdale. I would like to provide feedback, highlights and direction from the meeting:

    Overall assessment
    • The key issue I consider most important is providing value and superior customer service to your accounts. Each account has unique issues and needs. Your role is to uncover and then address those needs so that the customer is more comfortable in utilizing PDT in their practice.
    • We have many new resources to assist you in providing value.
    Pinnacles Biologics commitment to the brand
    • Securing laser and fibers in the US market-regulatory hurdles need to be addressed- however you can be confident in approximately 12 months Pinnacle will secure those issues for your customers.
    • Educational website
    • IIS website
    • Significant expansion of the Medical Affairs department
    • Clinical commitment to
    o Mesothelioma
    o Cholangiocarcinoma
    o Head & Neck Cancers
    C-o-E Meeting
    • Five physicians attended the morning meeting.
    • These physicians outlined their need to build referrals.
    • The KOL’s indicated the need to go out to the edges of their catchment area.
    • They KOL’s strongly agreed that face to face interaction is the key to successful referral program.
    Call to Action- C-o-E Meeting
    Representative
    • Each representative needs to reach out to their KOL and complete the following:
    o Thanking them for their insights at the meeting- please complete asap
    o Establish a meeting with your KOL’s after February 13 to define the 2 to five outlining groups that the representative is going to meet with to organize a face to face meeting with your customer.
    o You will need to contact those referrals asap and establish a time for a 10 to 20 minute meeting with the KOL.
    o Ensure that all expenses and honorarium for the Fort Lauderdale meeting are addressed and completed- i.e. provide good customer service
    Corporate
    • We will be sending an email next week outlining our follow-up actions:
    o Our goal is to create an invite that will be used by the representatives and approved by the KOL by February 13, 2012.
    o Create and deliver a small account specific presentation that can be used by the KOL during their meetings with the referring physicians.
    o Our commitment to the KOL is to arrange two to five referral programs over the next six months
    o The KOL will need to provide the name of the referring practices to the local representative
    o The KOL will be reimbursed $1,000 plus expenses ( mileage & appropriate meals) for each program delivered
    o When updating our website we will create a link to the C-o-E departments.
    o In addition- we will work on optimizing web searches on lung cancer towards the C-o-E
    • This program is a test pilot- yet I would be willing to consider enrolling other centers who would have interest in becoming a C-o-E. Please discuss this with me before offering the program to your accounts.

    Sales Meeting- Wednesday February 1 -Follow-up Items
    Morning Session
    • We will create an MIRF that can be completed and signed on the IPAD
    • We will look into creating a compendia of PDT patients in the IPAD
    • We will consider updating a primary sales aid- need to ensure sales pick up to fund this request
    • Will consider highlighting the Mode of Action video within the IPAD
    • Add key reprints into the IPAD
    • Add the cost comparison chart that outlines other chemo regimens into IPAD
    • Add information on NCCN guidelines onto the IPAD- depends on the costs etc…..
    Afternoon Session
    MSL-Rep
    • Need to turf all experimental discussions to Medical Affairs
    • We will develop a test on compliance by the end of the month
    • No dual calls- at best the representative can introduce the KOL to the MSL on their first meeting. After the introduction- the representative must excuse themselves.
    Training on “test” calibrating the laser
    • You all were certified that you can effectively “test” calibrate the laser
    • It is highly recommended that you “test” calibrate the laser and ensure an appropriate stock of fibers are on hand in each account – before you call on the KOL.

    Closing Remarks
    You have enough resources to confidently request the business. PDT with Photofrin® offers your accounts a method to differentiate themselves from their competition and it offers a durable response for their patients. Be aggressive and confident and ask for the business on every call. Your job is to uncover needs at your institutions and then utilize the appropriate resource to address the issues.

    The organization is committed to the brand as we want to provide patients with the best medical options. We are asking you to fully align your efforts and abilities with Pinnacle.

    Please contact me if you have any questions.
     
  10. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Guys,

    I am really worried about the poor performance this month. Furthermore I am very worried about the performance during this quarter in a couple of territories with no or minimal sales activity. Price increase is not a factor anymore, the company is spending and supporting sales efforts, so the ball is in your court.

    Guillermo A. Herrera
     
  11. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    FOR THE RECORD:

    ANYONE THINKING OR INSINUATING THAT THE COMPANY HAS MADE ANYTHING IMPROPER IN MANAGING THE INVENTORIES PLEASE CALL ME. THIS IS THE LAST TIME WE WILL BE PROVIDING ANY EXPLANATION WHATSOEVER OF WHAT HAPPEN OR DIDN’T HAPPEN.

    THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THEIR EMPLOYESS MUST BE ONE OF TRUST, IF ANY ONE HAS ANY CONCERN PLEASE ADDRESS IT DIRECTLY TO ME. I TAKE THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY.

    I TRUST YOU ALL AGREE WITH ME THAT YOUR MUCH BETTER OF TODAY THAN SIX MONTH AGO!

    Guillermo A. Herrera
    Chairman and CEO
    Pinnacle Biologics Inc.
     
  12. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    All,

    All of you have the opportunity to catch-up and collect on the Chairman’s Award. I have made the decision to extend the award for the last quarter of 2011, slightly modifying the conditions:

    • Sales Target: 373 “Pinnacle label” vials shipped to customers between April 2011 and December 2011, shipped means shipped, almost shipped doesn’t count
    Achievement of this goal represents 50% of the Chairman’s Award paid-out potential.
    • Individual Performance An individual objective per territory based on specific account objectives has been set up for each of you to earn the other 50%.

    Any questions or clarifications –modifications are not permitted- please contact the HR Director, your Vice-President or myself.

    Good luck, and remember this is not about stocking, this is about professional account development.

    Best,



    Guillermo A. Herrera
    Chairman and CEO
    Pinnacle Biologics Inc.
     
  13. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Wow! It's like a stroll down Nightmare Lane.
     
  14. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    How about the few e-mails which praised Carlos (the college Junior)? Carlos is a nice guy and smart, but c'mon. He gave more acknowledgment to Carlos in 1 month than the entire sales force the entire 1st year. How ungrateful!
     
  15. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    A colleague of mine at Cornell sent me a copy of this blatantly inappropriate email a VP from Pinnacle sent a colleague of mine about a year ago. I was reading through the posts and thought it should be posted.

    The content is obviously inappropriate regarding support for off-label use of PDT. However, the email diction, sentence structure and grammer reads like it was written by a 5 year-old with crayons. The sheer pompous certitude of this VP! To send a physician an email like this is completely ridiculous. I don't think "plausible deniability" can be applied when examples like this are so moronically obvious.
    __________________

    From: Brad Herrmann
    Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 9:06 AM
    To: Michel
    Subject: RE: Interventional Innovations in Digestive Care: Pinnacle Biologics


    Dear Dr. K,

    I thought about this issue all weekend. The primary issues are communication, access to an appropriate fiber and timing.

    Communication
    · The first I heard of the program was at your fall meeting.
    · However the first time that I had confirmation of the meeting was mid-December at the NYSGE
    · At the NYSGE you communicated your desire for $50,000 grant plus the faculty dinner.
    o That type of investment requires budgeting etc… and I did not have any time to create a budget to capture this type of request.

    Appropriate fiber
    · We do not have an appropriate fiber in the US for Cholangiocarcinoma.
    · Until we do the “impact” of your conference in the US is negated until such a fiber is commercially available.
    · An appropriate fiber could be made commercially available late in 2012 or 2013.
    o However the FDA could demand a trial which would indicate a lack of a fiber until 2017
    · The same issue is being implemented at your own institution.
    o Until resolution on a fiber is reached- most cases cannot be performed.
    Timing
    · Lead time for a $55,000 was not sufficient.
    o 2012 budget planning was already complete- I did not understand your financial need.
    · More important- access to the fiber is the most critical piece of the puzzle.
    · Once a catheter becomes available- conference such as the proposed April program will have the value you have described.

    Conclusion
    · I have a significant desire to support your efforts and too increase patient access to this devastating disease
    · The lack of a commercial fiber severely restricts acceptance of PDT in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma in the US market.
    · Support of the program needs to be realistic to the overall impact- hence I would like to discuss the following options.

    No fiber approval at Cornell before March 1, 2012
    · $5,000 educational grant plus faculty dinner support

    Fiber officially approval at Cornell before March, 1, 2012
    · $25,000 educational grant plus faculty dinner

    Once we get full approval of the fiber in the US- we would be able to discuss commitments for future programs.

    I realize you may be disappointed – but the lack of an appropriate device- will significantly diminish the impact of your program. We have very limited resources because of our lack of a fiber- it is truly a “catch 22.”

    I am free this afternoon or any time tomorrow to discuss.

    Best regards,

    Brad Herrmann
    Vice-President, PDT Business Unit-US

    PINNACLE BIOLOGICS, INC
     
  16. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Brad, are you implying that without cooperation from Dr. K, this may be a boon doggle?
     
  17. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    boondoggle [ˈbuːnˌdɒgəl]

    verb:
    (intr) to do futile and unnecessary work

    noun:
    a futile and unnecessary project or work
    [said to have been coined by R. H. Link, American scoutmaster]
     
  18. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Just 1 of many, many emails tied to shady practices by Pinnacle Biologics!!
     
  19. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    WOW! Spelling errors and illegal content! WOW!
     
  20. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    My favorite line is, "I have a significant desire to support your efforts and too increase patient access to this devastating disease."

    Why does Brad want to increase patient access to cholangiocarcinoma??? Does he mean to write, "increase access to off-label PDT treatment"? What the hell is he talking about???

    Maybe he wants more of Dr. K's patients to get cancer so that they have a chance of being treated off-label with PDT?!?!

    Either way, what a dumbass! Who writes an email like that?