Since launching this collaboration, named NeuroHub, in May, Salu has enrolled over 30 percent of US office-based neurologists in its web-based hub, which is dedicated to neurology and customized for the specific office practitioner or group. Neurology represents one of Elan’s key physician markets currently served through the Elan Pharmaceuticals division.
Using NeuroHub, neurologists can obtain educational and professional content as well as communicate with and access the services of pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and service providers. NeuroHub partners pay Salu market rent and transaction fees for access to the hub. To ensure physician use of Salu’s and its partners’ services, Salu has created a national, dedicated NeuroHub Internet team that works one-on-one with physicians and their staffs to train them on use of the Internet, the NeuroHub and its partners’ services.
We chose Salu for our Internet initiatives because they have proven they can reach, install and communicate with specialty specific areas, stated Michael Coffee, President and COO of Elan Pharmaceuticals, North America in a press statement. We evaluated many alternatives and realized Salu has the experienced healthcare team and a realistic business model to ensure our success.
Through NeuroHub, Elan intends to implement a comprehensive program that will facilitate communication for neurologists and their patients on neurological conditions and therapies; enhance physician-patient communication; help clinical trial recruitment efforts; and better manage patient compliance. With this existing Internet channel in place, Elan also anticipates faster deployment of current and future Internet initiatives.
Bringing on a partner with the reputation of Elan validates the Salu business hub model, said Jim Steeb, president and CEO of Salu. Salu has created an efficient channel to what were previously fragmented specialty markets. Innovative companies, like Elan, recognize the opportunity that Salu has created, and are moving quickly to leverage it to its fullest. These hubs provide attractive partnership opportunities for specialty focused service and product vendors. We are in discussions with other firms that we expect will follow Elan’s lead.
