Monday, April 26, 2004

From the Phoenix Business Journal:
McCain backs new push for Canadian drug imports
Arizona Sen. John McCain has signed onto a renewed effort in the U.S. Senate to allow for the importation of less expensive Canadian prescription drugs.

Lifting Food and Drug Administration restrictions on Canadian drugs is garnering increasing support on Capitol Hill and from several governors worried about high drug costs. McCain is a top Republican driver of the issue in Washington.

From the New York Times:
Viagra and the Battle of the Awkward Ads
Advertising has had its share of nasty three-way battles over the years: McDonald's vs. Burger King vs. Wendy's. Bud Light vs. Miller Lite vs. Coors Light. Toyota vs. Nissan vs. Honda. Kellogg's vs. Post vs. General Mills.

Now comes Viagra vs. Levitra vs. Cialis. It is a Madison Avenue dream. And nightmare.

It is a dream because the three rivals are flush with cash and eager to compete aggressively in a market that is already big and is forecast to grow fast. Ad agencies have been panting like lovesick suitors over the idea of clients willing to spend more than $300 million this year when many other clients are pinching pennies.

The problem is that the products in question treat erectile dysfunction, a condition, like adult incontinence or hemorrhoids, that is hard to discuss without being too vague or too vulgar. So the advertisers have to figure out how to build customer demand and loyalty without offending people and without providing additional fodder for endless gags by late-night talk-show hosts.

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