Pharma Roundup: Moms Stop J&J Motrin Campaign, German Merck's U.S. Plans, and More

Johnson & Johnson campaign derailed by angry, Twittering moms — A video spot for Motrin described carrying a baby in a sling as a painful process, suggesting the OTC painkiller could ease the aches; the mommy lobby took offense at the flippant depiction of motherhood. Scores of Twitter messages like the following appeared on the company’s page: “I can’t even count the ways I am offended right now. Taken aback! This is a serious screw up for such a major company.” J&J hurriedly apologized and removed the controversial spot from its website, though the curious can still see it on YouTube. [Source: Forbes Science Business, AP]

German Merck eyes U.S. acquisitions — German drug maker Merck KGaA (unaffiliated with the American company of the same name) wants to buy innovative businesses with a focus on emerging technologies, says chairman Karl-Ludwig Kley. The company also hopes to strengthen its position in emerging markets, but through expansion of its current properties, not acquisitions. [Source: PharmaTimes]

Zyrtec users didn’t switch to OTC, surprisingly — Last year, Pfizer’s patent protection expired and Johnson & Johnson earned the right to distribute a formulation of Zyrtec over the counter (it was formerly prescription-only). Only 27% of prescription users, however, have switched to OTC; most current OTC users switched from other products. [Source: Medical Marketing and Media]

Novartis sends 100 jobs to India — The positions, all in data management, will be moving to Hyderabad from Switzerland and the United States. [Source: The Business Standard, via Pharmalot]

New York City biotech update — Phase two of the East River Science Park, mentioned last week, has been delayed indefinitely until the credit markets loosen. [Source: FierceBiotech]