Fourth of July: Fireworks and Pharmaceuticals!

Tips That Can Help with Family and Friends

As we celebrate America's freedom and Independence Day with fireworks, hamburgers and hotdogs, and of course, family and friends, Pfizer In Action offers you some helpful tips for discussing the biopharmaceutical industry with those around you.

Often, Pfizer colleagues and retirees ask us how best to share news and facts about the industry with those closest to them. The best way to communicate the positive impact Pfizer makes is with some simple, accurate, and effective statements that deliver important information about our industry.

Remember, You Worked For a "Top" Company. Pfizer consistently ranks in the Top 50 of Fortune Magazine's "Most Admired Companies" and has been rated the industry's #1 sales force by U.S. doctors for 13 consecutive years.

Be Proud of Our Commitment to Patient/Physician Relationships. According to the FDA, one-third of all patients believe prescription medicine ads helped them speak with their doctor about a health condition.ii More than half of all physicians reported having more productive healthcare discussions with patients who had seen prescription ads.

Share the Good Pfizer Does. Pfizer was ranked the Top Corporate Giver by The Chronicle of Philanthropy for its generous cash and product contributions. From 2003-2006, Pfizer and its employees and retirees donated more than $1.7 billion in medicine, pharmaceutical products, and cash.

More Fast Facts

• The pharmaceutical industry discovers 90% of all new medicines.
• For every dollar the pharmaceutical industry spends on advertising, it spends $10 on research and development.
• The FDA devotes half of its pharmaceutical review budget to ensuring patient safety.
• Early identification of possible healthcare risks as the result of DTC advertising can prevent unnecessary patient suffering and the need for high-cost- medical interventions.