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Cambridge BioMarketing Demonstrates Strong Momentum in 2017
[November 28, 2017]

Cambridge BioMarketing Demonstrates Strong Momentum in 2017


Cambridge BioMarketing, an Ashfield company, part of UDG Healthcare plc and the world's leading rare disease agency, today announced it has added 20 new employees and bolstered its staff expertise in the agency's rare oncology practice. The staff expansion and expanded focus on the rare oncology therapeutic area comes as the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 34 orphan drugs thus far in 2017, illustrating the continued growth of the rare disease market. Further, the agency has received multiple accolades from industry and local organizations for its creative campaigns aimed at elevating treatments and movements related to rare diseases.

New hires have joined Cambridge BioMarketing in both its Boston- and Oakland, Calif.-based locations to continue building awareness for rare disease. As part of the hiring investment, the agency welcomes Michael Tonzola as Group Management Supervisor. An expert in rare oncology, Tonzola brings more than 15 years of industry experience to the agency and will lead the rare cancer practice, expanding Cambridge BioMarketing's expertise in this ultra-niche therapeutic area.

"Moving into 2018, we are excited to build off this momentum and double down on our dedication to elevate the voices of rare disease patients and advocates, while making a difference in as many lives as possible," said Maureen Franco, CEO of Cambridge BioMarketing.

As the rare disease landscape has evolved, Cambridge BioMarketing continues to lead by designing innovative, creative campaigns that promote patient advocacy and build awareness. As a result, the agency has been recognized with several industry awards for its steadfast work and dedication to the rare cause. In 2017 specifically, Cambridge BioMarketing has received more than 10 accolades from pharmaceutical, marketing, and Boston-based organizations for its creative work and strategic leadership:

  • MarCom Awards: Cambridge BioMarketing received five accolades from MarCom Awards, which honors excellence in marketing:
    • Platinum Award for Strategic Communications | Marketing / Promotions for Product Launch based on the company's work with Intercept Pharmaceuticals for Ocaliva.com: Welcome to Your World of PBC Treatment for Intercept Pharmaceuticals
    • Platinum Award in the Digital Media | Web Video for Self-Promotion, honoring the company's 2016 holiday campaign Give Pause for Some Good: The Mannequin Challenge
    • Gold Award in Strategic Communications | Public Relations for Traditional and Social Media Campaign related to the agency's work around Rare Disease Day 2017 with its #SupportTheSearch project
    • Honorable Mention for Digital Media | Medical Website to commemorate Cambridge BioMarketing and Horizon Pharma's collaboration on UCDInsights.com
    • Honorable Mention in Video / Audio to recognize the Virtual Reality UCD Tightrope Challenge created by Cambridge BioMarketing and Horizon Pharma
  • Medical Marketing & Media (MM&M) Annual Awards: the company's client campaign with Intercept Pharmaceuticals around Ocaliva.com was also recognized as a Silver Winner in the Orphan Product Marketing Initiative category
  • WEGO Health: The agency was named a Finalist in the Healthcare Collaborator Section
  • The Boston Globe: Franco was named to the 'Top 100 Women-Led Businesses' list for the fifth consecutive year



Added Franco: "As pharma and biotech companies continue to invest in pursuing drugs and treatments for rare disease, we are drawing from our deep knowledge of the industry while bringing on fresh insights to tell the stories of patients, their advocacy networks, and the companies that are coming to their aid."

The rare disease market has witnessed accelerated growth in recent years. In 2016 alone, the FDA received a record-breaking 582 requests for orphan drug designations. Industry experts attribute the focus to a combination of gene editing and new technologies that can reduce common barriers for these patients, such as lack of treatments and long lead times for accurate diagnoses.


Looking ahead, Market Research Future's Global Orphan Diseases Market Report forecasts the rare disease industry will reach $579.6B by 2022, citing North America as the largest of the orphan disease markets. While the majority of Cambridge BioMarketing's clients reside in the U.S., the agency plans to translate best practices to its international clientele, expanding its global footprint under Ashfield, part of UDG Healthcare plc. Cambridge BioMarketing also anticipates additional traction in raising rare disease awareness in early 2018 through its work associated with International Rare Disease Day (RDD), held each year on Feb. 28. In the past, Cambridge BioMarketing has participated in RDD with the launch of Rare in Common (2015) and #SupportTheSearch campaign (2016).

About Cambridge BioMarketing
Founded in 2001, Cambridge BioMarketing is a U.S.-based communications agency specializing in rare orphan diseases with over 100 employees. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. with offices in Oakland, Calif., Cambridge BioMarketing is an industry leader in orphan drug launches, advising pharmaceutical companies with an integrated focus on both traditional healthcare professional (HCP) programs and direct-to-patient work. In partnering with predominantly pharmaceutical and biotech customers, the agency's goal is to bring physicians, specialists, and patient communities together on behalf of clients to transform human health in the face of devastating, under-appreciated disease states. Cambridge BioMarketing's primary service offerings include: launch readiness support; digital strategy; market analytics; integrated marketing; patient identification and acquisition; medical affairs support; line extensions and patient retention and adherence programs.

For more information, please go to: http://cambridgebmg.com/

About Ashfield
Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services, part of UDG Healthcare plc, is a global leader in providing outsourced healthcare services to pharmaceutical, device and biotech companies. The company has 6,000 employees, operating in 23 countries and delivering services in over 50 countries across Europe, North America, South America and Asia and works with more than 250 companies, including all the world's top 25 pharmaceutical companies. Its mission is to partner with its clients, improving lives by helping healthcare professionals and patients get the medicines, knowledge and support they need. Ashfield's provides contract sales teams, customer service reps, medical science liaison officers, remote detailing, nurse educators, medical information, healthcare communications, market access, market research, training, event management, digital, creative and pharmacovigilance services.

For more information, go to https://www.ashfieldhealthcare.com/en/


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