So it's pretty clear the 9.9% are "unhappy" with the progress we have made and just want to make a quick buck. I get it, that's their job. But I do not believe they care about the patient, I do not believe they have a long-term interest in forwarding the treatment of obesity and I do not believe they understand the dynamics of what is going on in medicine right now, specifically when it comes to medication for weight-related issues. I also do not believe that they care AT ALL about the current employees and sales professionals. We are expendable to them, but if they were smart they would realize that we have a majority of competitive info and experience in this tough launch scenario.
Drug launches are HARD and STRESSFUL. And that is without the pressure or a startup and investors who just want to see quick money. Investors heard "weight loss drug" and assumed that every drug to come to market (Qsymia, Belviq, etc.) would become an instant blockbuster like phen-fen. They do not understand that the dynamics of medicine have changed, doctors are scared shitless because of lawsuits over phen-fen years ago and don't want to be burned. They are very cautious. And - before someone complains about safety concerns - keep in mind that Qsymia is comprised to two medications that have been used at much higher doses for MANY years and doctors, for the most part, aren't concerned with their safety. Just ask any of them how often they prescribe Topamax for women of child-bearing age. Then ask them if the "freak out" over that. These are responsible professionals we are calling on - not the quick buck pill mills. And I can tell you, the paradigm is shifting.
We have made major progress as a company. The AMA, AHA and AACE have come out in support of using medications to assist with obesity. There is a bill presented to Congress to ensure coverage of these drugs under Medicaid and Medicare. Insurance coverage, which before was non-existent, is now covering nearly 40% off prescriptions with some being covered on 2nd Tier. Key thought leaders in Endocrinology, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Bariatrics, Psychiatry, and Family Medicine are prescribing our drug and many patients have been able to go off or medications for other obesity-related comorbidities thanks in part to the significant weight loss Qsymia has provided. And, let's not forget, we now have retail access.
However, none of this will matter if First Manhattan is successful with their proxy vote. My guess is they will sell the company to the first highest bidder. Millions of potential patients will be hurt, and all of our hard work will be for nothing. And yes, I am a rep. A hard-working rep who is happy to be at Vivus and pleased with current management's efforts. Let me add I am a high-performer. This drug can be successful - this drug is seeing success - but it takes hard word and perseverance. Although the impression on the street is that we are a bunch of "rent a reps" the average rep with the company has well over 10 years of experience, many of us dealing with cardio metabolic disease states. Many of us came here on faith, leaving stable jobs for more initial money, because we believed in the potential and need for this drug. We have put in a lot of hard work and don't want to see the company sold to the highest bidder.
Have a little faith, hang in there, get over your greed. This is for a bigger purpose.
(For what it's worth, all of you not familiar with Café Pharma who are on here for info on how to make your decision know that pretty much 99% of this website is negative, crazy bottom feeder reps and that most of us don't give anything on here any credibility. The only reason I'm taking time to post this is so something positive goes out for a change.)
Drug launches are HARD and STRESSFUL. And that is without the pressure or a startup and investors who just want to see quick money. Investors heard "weight loss drug" and assumed that every drug to come to market (Qsymia, Belviq, etc.) would become an instant blockbuster like phen-fen. They do not understand that the dynamics of medicine have changed, doctors are scared shitless because of lawsuits over phen-fen years ago and don't want to be burned. They are very cautious. And - before someone complains about safety concerns - keep in mind that Qsymia is comprised to two medications that have been used at much higher doses for MANY years and doctors, for the most part, aren't concerned with their safety. Just ask any of them how often they prescribe Topamax for women of child-bearing age. Then ask them if the "freak out" over that. These are responsible professionals we are calling on - not the quick buck pill mills. And I can tell you, the paradigm is shifting.
We have made major progress as a company. The AMA, AHA and AACE have come out in support of using medications to assist with obesity. There is a bill presented to Congress to ensure coverage of these drugs under Medicaid and Medicare. Insurance coverage, which before was non-existent, is now covering nearly 40% off prescriptions with some being covered on 2nd Tier. Key thought leaders in Endocrinology, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Bariatrics, Psychiatry, and Family Medicine are prescribing our drug and many patients have been able to go off or medications for other obesity-related comorbidities thanks in part to the significant weight loss Qsymia has provided. And, let's not forget, we now have retail access.
However, none of this will matter if First Manhattan is successful with their proxy vote. My guess is they will sell the company to the first highest bidder. Millions of potential patients will be hurt, and all of our hard work will be for nothing. And yes, I am a rep. A hard-working rep who is happy to be at Vivus and pleased with current management's efforts. Let me add I am a high-performer. This drug can be successful - this drug is seeing success - but it takes hard word and perseverance. Although the impression on the street is that we are a bunch of "rent a reps" the average rep with the company has well over 10 years of experience, many of us dealing with cardio metabolic disease states. Many of us came here on faith, leaving stable jobs for more initial money, because we believed in the potential and need for this drug. We have put in a lot of hard work and don't want to see the company sold to the highest bidder.
Have a little faith, hang in there, get over your greed. This is for a bigger purpose.
(For what it's worth, all of you not familiar with Café Pharma who are on here for info on how to make your decision know that pretty much 99% of this website is negative, crazy bottom feeder reps and that most of us don't give anything on here any credibility. The only reason I'm taking time to post this is so something positive goes out for a change.)