Pharma Roundup: Pfizer Examined; Merck, UPS, and Wholesalers; and More

(MoneyWatch)  Pfizer's dangerous tendency to save management instead of its operations -- ... is one of the company's problems, according to some commentary in this analysis of the Biggest Pharma. Yes, it is the largest, but that certainly doesn't immunize Pfizer against the tremendous pressures of the current climate -- especially with patents drying up and little to show from biotech investments. [Source: FiercePharma]

Merck's deal with UPS isn't bad for wholesalers -- So claims industry consultant Adam J. Fein. Merck recently signed with UPS to meet the bulk of its distribution need, but Fein says that won't be a trend, since resellers will want the extra volume discount only wholesalers can provide. [Source: Drug Channels]

NASDAQ predicts further 20 percent reduction in sales rep positions -- This NASDAQ document delineates the tremendous sales force contraction most corporate offices have been ordering, as well as the strategies companies like Lilly are undertaking to revamp their sales departments. Sector-wide, NASDAQ expects rep cuts to continue. [Source: NASDAQ, via Corey Nahman]

Should the government decide which drugs are worth it? -- In England, a federal panel decides whether a drug's benefits outweigh its financial costs -- for instance, a cancer drug which only slightly prolongs life at a great cost to the national health service would face a tough review. Similar proposals are emerging on this side of the pond, but are they the best course of action? [Source: WSJ Health Blog]