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DTC in Perspective: Novartis Heart Failure Ad Gets Criticized

February 17, 2016 by Bob Ehrlich0

Novartis has just started a non branded disease education campaign called “Keep it Pumping.” You can see the television ad on the Novartis web site: www.keepitpumping.com. This Novartis web site discusses the serious condition of heart failure which has only a 50% survival rate after five years from diagnosis.

The ad is very memorable, showing a man sitting in his living room as it fills with water, a metaphor for the rising danger of a heart not pumping well. I have read some physicians are concerned the ad is alarmist. They think the ad will stoke unnecessary fears among patients. Obviously Novartis thinks the serious tone is appropriate.

Bob Ehrlich
“Impactful ads need to be attention getting.”
-Bob Ehrlich

Like all drug companies that do disease education ads, Novartis is running the campaign because it has a new drug to treat heart failure. The drug was approved mid-last year. It is called Entresto, a combination of an old drug, valsartan and a new drug sacubitril. Novartis clinical studies show it is significantly better at reducing mortality versus ACE inhibitor enalapril.

While the ad apparently annoys some doctors, it is certainly memorable. The visual of a flood in a man’s living room while he seems oblivious to it is a good way to show the hidden symptoms and dangers of heart failure. The appropriateness of running an ad that may alarm patients is a legitimate issue. On the other hand, any disease that causes death in 50% of those who have it, is cause for alarm and therefore having an impactful campaign is warranted.

Like all these newer premium priced drugs, the advertisers will face sticker shock from those patients who have problems getting reimbursement or have high co-pays. The recent trend for drug makers has been to advertise drugs regardless of price. They want to create demand as this helps push reluctant payers to cover the drug. Most insurance companies would prefer patients use much cheaper, albeit, less effective old line treatments. DTC for newer drugs is trying to create patient awareness that there are very effective treatments now available. Cost/benefit will be debated by the payers and patient demand has been an important dynamic in pushing payers to cover the newer treatments.

I doubt many Americans who see this ad will suffer undue alarm. Basically, it is designed to get people to be aware that heart failure happens to many of us as we age. The incidence is about 20% over our lifetime. Novartis clearly benefits from encouraging discussions on heart failure because their new drug is premium priced.

I definitely disagree that the ad creates undue fear. Heart failure is not acne, or toe fungus and perhaps a sense of urgency is needed in the creative approach. People who see the ad who might be at risk for heart failure should discuss it with their doctor. Whether he will suggest Entresto or something else is between patient and doctor. Calls for pulling the ad are extreme as there is zero evidence consumers will panic or quake with fear. When I saw it, I paid attention and looked up the web site, not out of fear but out of interest in my health.

Novartis certainly will have to take seriously the opinions of its prescribers and I am sure is tracking physician attitudes. Drug companies should test disease awareness DTC in advance with both consumers and physicians. No ad should be pulled, however, based on a few negative comments. Impactful ads need to be attention getting. Keep It Pumping succeeds and I would keep pumping it out to consumers.

Bob Ehrlich


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