Background: The use of complementary and alternative products including Biological Based Therapy (BBT) has increased among patients with various medical illnesses and conditions. The studies assessing the prevalence of BBT use among patients with cardiovascular diseases are limited. Therefore, an evaluation of BBT in this patient population would be beneficial. This was a survey designed to determine the effects of demographics on the use of Biological Based Therapy (BBT) in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the education level on the use of BBT in cardiovascular patients. This survey also assessed the perceptions of users regarding the safety/efficacy of BBT, types of BBT used and potential BBTdrug interactions.

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Vasopressin may be a reasonable alternative for patients in vasodilatory shock. However, larger-scale controlled dinical trials are warranted before its routine use can be recommended.

Medical science liaisons (MSLs) are field-based pharmaceutical or biomedical industry professionals whose role demands specialized product knowledge and skill in executing customer-facing activities. This report describes a survey of key opinion leaders (KOLs) to identify MSL skills most highly valued and those in need of enrichment with the objective of designing an advanced training curriculum for experienced MSLs. A total of 66 MSLs representing diverse therapeutic areas verbally administered a 9-question survey at the conclusion of a routine MSL-KOL interaction. There were 296 surveys completed, with most respondents (239 of 281; 82%) indicating that they meet with MSLs from other companies. Ninety-five percent (218 of 230) responded that the value provided by MSLs was comparable to that offered by other companies. When asked about top MSL attributes, KOLs mentioned product knowledge, scientific credibility, therapeutic area knowledge, timeliness of response, and communication skills. In terms of resources provided by MSLs, KOLs most often mentioned scientific information, unbiased product information, therapeutic area developments (including pipeline discussions), disease state information, and potential involvement in research or as an advisor. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results of this survey, a workshop curriculum focusing on advanced communication skills and networking techniques was developed and conducted successfully.