Situation Analysis

• Public discourse in Massachusetts has been focused on prescription opioids, heroin abuse and addiction issues, with new public policy leading toward curbing physicians’ prescribing practices

• The client, a Cambridge, Mass. biotech company, set out to add the voice of patients with chronic neuropathic pain to these conversations to highlight the need for development of alternative, non-opioid, non-addictive pain treatment options

• The company is poised to launch phase 2 trials in neuropathic pain in 2016 and wanted to interject science and innovation into this important public policy debate

   

Solution

• Developed an awareness campaign that puts science and innovation and the need for new, non-addictive pain treatments front and center and raises the profile of the client.

• Designed a campaign with several facets:

  • Signature event with highly-regarded speakers

  • Digital content

  • Advocacy group outreach

  • Media relations

     

Results

• PAIN: a conversation event drew a standing-room crowd to a premier Boston hotel for a networking reception and panel conversation.

• Developed a dynamic video featuring the story of a PhD scientist whose career was derailed as a result of severe chronic neuropathic pain

• Established relationships and secured attendance of several leaders of advocacy groups such as the U.S. Pain Foundation, the American Chronic Pain Association, and more

• Developed a social media presence including the creation of @HydraBio Twitter handle and a LinkedIn corporate page

• Secured positive media coverage with a Q & A in Big3Bio, a feature story in the Boston Business Journal and an on-air interview with WGBH 89.7 FM, Boston’s local NPR station