The ADVANTAGE Seeding Trial: A Review of Internal Documents

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   Figure 1. Merck commends marketing division's ADVANTAGE Trial.

   Merck executives nominate those responsible for the design and execution of ADVANTAGE for an internal marketing award. A& = arthritis and analgesia; CDP = clinical development program; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; OA = osteoarthritis. USHS = United States Human Health.
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   Figure 2. Merck slide defining the role of the marketing division in the ADVANTAGE Trial.

   CDP = Clinical Development Program; CRO = Clinical Research Organization.
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   Figure 3. Merck document tracking the average number of new prescriptions written by rheumatologists who were ADVANTAGE study group investigators.

   Merck tracked new prescriptions written for both Vioxx and Celebrex (celecoxib; Pfizer, New York, New York) by ADVANTAGE investigators in the months after the trial. Investigators were given a portfolio profile grade of A+ to D on the basis of their prescription history of using Merck products. Arth CR = Arthritis Clinical Report no. 9907; AVG = average; Meded = medical education branch of the Institute for Internal Research; NRX = new prescriptions; RHU = rheumatologists.