"The Changing MSL Role: Proving Value Through Performance Measurement,"explores the strategic direction of medical science liaisons (MSL) programswithin top pharmaceutical companies. It emphasizes MSLs' elevatedstrategic importance and their changing responsibilities in today'spharmaceutical landscape. Broken down by company size, the reportbenchmarks MSL team structures, spending and staffing resources, educationlevels and field force strategies.

The 203-page report was developed from survey and interview data for 30pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Its findings enable companiesto improve their thought leader management by maximizing their MSLs' value,scientific knowledge and relationship-building skills. Download acomplimentary report summary here:http://cuttingedgeinfo.com/mslperformance/PH115_Download.asp#body

This study covers these key aspects of MSL programs:

--  Structure, Budgets and Staffing: This section details companies'    structuring and alignment strategies, investment levels, and headcounts.--  MSL Qualifications and Performance Measurement: This section explores    the increasing educational and clinical experience required for MSL    candidates.  It includes compensation data.  It also examines ways in which    companies gauge MSL effectiveness and contributions to company goals.--  Field Force Strategies and Communication:  This section outlines MSL    activities and responsibilities.  It also examines the connections between    sales forces and MSLs in the new compliance environment and provides    recommendations for integrated communications between those groups.    

The report contains 500+ metrics, including the following:

--  Number of thought leader relationships by company size--  Degrees required by MSLs working with PCP thought leaders--  Breakdowns of thought leader relationships by company size and    provider category--  Ratio of MSLs to sales reps    

"Regulatory pressures and diminishing pipelines are affectingpharmaceutical functions across the industry, but the impact is especiallysignificant for MSLs," says Elio Evangelista, Research Team Leader atCutting Edge Information. "Companies now rely even more heavily on medicaleducation and thought leader management. MSLs are moving into morestrategic roles. Companies that recognize and adapt to MSLs' increasedimportance as knowledge providers position themselves for success."

Report Website: www.MSLPerformance.com