Eisai bolsters its sales team to promote CNS products, increase independence

Medical Marketing and Media, Sep 2004 by Arnold, Matthew

EISAI INC. IS FIELDING a new, 100-strong sales force for its CNS products as it launches a promotion of Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride tablets) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The CNS team will also support Eisai's epilepsy drug Zonegan (zonisamide capsules). Eisai acquired marketing rights for the drug in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Mexico from Elan in March.

The U.S. subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co. Ltd. says it has more than doubled its total field force over the past year, and now boasts more than 600 sales reps.

Cathy Pollini, associate director, corporate public relations at Eisai, said that while the company's U.S. business has prospered through partnerships with Pfizer on Aricept and Janssen on Aciphex, Eisai hopes to build its capacity to market products on its own.

"The goal is to achieve our vision of being a fully integrated company capable of independently manufacturing, distributing and marketing high-quality products," said Pollini.-M.A.