Digital 3000 -- Digital Media Strategies and Solutions: Vytorin Ad Goes Viral!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Vytorin Ad Goes Viral!

Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. are in a heap of trouble after their Vytorin Ad came up short with questionable scientific research. What's worse is there's a parody ad on YouTube that's gone viral. It's turned the cholesterol drug campaign into a PR nightmare. The ads have now been pulled but here's the history according to AdAge.com:

The scientific study conducted among 720 patients with hereditary high cholesterol showed that Vytorin (a combination of two cholesterol drugs, Zetia and Zocor) did not reduce the build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries as promised in the companies' marketing. The two-year study was completed in April 2006, but Merck and Schering didn't make it public until last week. The reasons they cited were complexity of the data and their own scientific concerns, which led them to do more research. In the interim, the drug was reaping billions in sales.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hj7QKtkuYAA4SFOBcA8Hi6XlpOtgD8UB8RDG3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwendcLch-4

About Joe Barnes

Joe Barnes is a highly sought-after digital media marketing strategist, conference speaker and trainer.

He consults on major media, social/digital media, strategic communications, public relations, and marketing initiatives. His clients have ranged from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and leading government agencies.

Joe understands and leverages consumer insights to provide solutions and ideas that bridge TV, web, mobile, social media, email, search, advertising, etc., and maximize consumer engagement. He answers key questions such as how brands are communicated and experienced through digital interactions, and how digital interactions fit into broader customer experiences.

Joe is known for his passion for innovation and the customer experience, combined with a sound understanding of consumers, social networks, and brands.

As a journalist/storyteller he has led teams that have won countless Emmy® Awards and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Journalism.

He’s a lecturer at the Albers School of Business and Economics Seattle University; he has an MA Degree; is quoted in two books; is on several boards; and is a certified Leadership Trainer.

Contact Joe Barnes: joe@digital3000.net

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