Press coverage and sales of Xenical in Sweden, 1998-2000.
OBJECTIVE
The anti-obesity drug Xenical (orlistat, Roche) was launched on the Swedish market in February 1999. The sales peaked in May 1999 and then declined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the press coverage of Xenical during the period 1998-2000 and, if possible, relate press attention to Xenical sales during this period.


METHODS
We analysed all articles published in Sweden's four biggest-selling newspapers mentioning Xenical during the period 1998-2000. Promotion activities aimed at healthcare professionals were measured by registering the number of advertisements in the Journal of the Swedish Medical Association. Sales figures for Xenical were obtained from the National Corporation of Swedish Pharmacies.


RESULTS
Approximately twice as many positive-effect messages were published than negative or neutral messages. Only six out of 42 positive messages referred to results from scientific studies. The initial high peaks for sales and positive-effect articles coincided with the launch of Xenical on the Swedish market.


CONCLUSIONS
It is not possible to discern a causal relationship between press coverage and sales; however, it seems safe to say that the large number of positive articles published before and during the launch greatly increased public awareness of Xenical, thus promoting sales.
Brounéus
Fredrik
F
Medicines Information Unit, Medical Products Agency, P.O. Box 26, 751 03 Uppsala, Sweden.
Dahlin
Anna
A
Beermann
Björn
B
D000329:Advertising; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D007783:Lactones / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008402:Mass Media; D009524:Newspapers as Topic; D000077403:Orlistat; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D013548:Sweden
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D007783:Lactones; D000077403:Orlistat