Marina Maher Communications’ Healthcare practice specializes in building brand relationships for over-the-counter and prescription drug brands.

The firm is noted for its expertise in marketing to women and provides domestic and global PR for products and services designed for their health. MMC supports investigational, new and mature products, publicizes clinical and regulatory milestones, and develops consumer branded education campaigns.

The firm’s Media Connections Group, which includes health specialists, partners with account teams to develop media strategies to engage the press and motivate consumer and influence professional audiences. Media Connections includes Lifestyle Trends, which links clients’ products and services to current trends, and Digital/Social Media, which develops online and viral programs to engage target consumers. The healthcare practice is led by EVP, Healthcare Practice Director Megan Svensen. The firm was awarded several new pieces of business in the past year, including Galderma’s Aesthetics and Correctives division, which includes the treatments Tri-Luma, Pliaglis and Elevess, and domestic and global programming for Pfizer’s investigational treatment for overactive bladder, fesoterodine. In 2007, MMC handled publicity for the FDA approval of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)‘s Veramyst™ Nasal Spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and partnered with internationally renowned photojournalist Rick Smolan to launch “Meet the Face of Change,” a traveling photo exhibit in support of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes franchise.

In consumer health, MMC launched two new products for GSK’s oral care portfolio. To generate awareness of Aquafresh™ White Trays, GSK’s entrant into the tooth whitening category, we designed a campaign centered around a $10 million Lloyd’s of London insurance policy for “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrara’s smile. For Sensodyne™ ProNamel toothpaste, we launched a high-profile media campaign featuring Food Network personality Cat Cora.