US Pharm . 2006;3:6.

Here in the snowbelt we are anxious for spring to arrive. With spring comes a reawakening of nature, birds singing, flowers budding and blossoming, and of course, baseball season nearing. Spring is inspiring; it is a time to reevaluate, move forward, try a different approach.

Step up to the plate and bring home a new, powerful you. With a strong and growing U.S. pharmaceutical market, pharmacy practitioners are poised to wield greater influence in health care. Show off your wares--share your knowledge and skills to promote safe and proper use of medications and healthy lifestyle habits. Let your community and your legislators know the important roles you fulfill in patient care and within the pharmaceutical industry. Those who study pharmaceutical sciences and devote themselves to discovering medications, or to reaching out to help senior patients maintain quality of life as they age, or to teaching acutely ill patients the importance of adhering to dosing regimens, for example, are to be looked up to. You must demand the respect you deserve.

Although the FDA approved far fewer new molecular entities in 2005 than in prior years, the demand for pharmaceuticals is rising and prescription volumes are increasing. Drug utilization is expected to increase this year through Medicare Part D. According to IMS Health reports, seven new products with potential global blockbuster status are expected to launch here in 2006, including a number of standouts: Sanofi-Aventis' Acomplia (for obesity), Pfizer's Sutent (for cancer), Pfizer's Exubera (inhaled insulin for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes), and Pfizer/Neurocrine Biosciences' Indiplon (for insomnia). These new product introductions are expected to help offset some of the $18 billion in sales at stake for products losing patent protection in 2006, IMS notes.

"The U.S. market's continued success this year will depend largely on enrollment in the new Medicare benefit, the ability to overcome safety concerns, and new product launches to make up for the higher level of patent expirations," says Diana Conmy, corporate director, Market Insights, IMS. "New strategies will be needed by pharmaceutical manufacturers to meet the challenges of this environment." My feeling is, pharmacists are the key.

Pharmacists in all practice settings must be knowledgeable about new drugs in order to provide optimal pharmaceutical care. This month U.S. Pharmacist offers two new-drug CE programs online. To borrow from a well-known expression, when you've got the expertise, flaunt it. Be the game's MVP. You are a major league player!

Laura La Piana Simonsen
Executive Managing Editor

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