Valeant increases Salix sales force by 40% to capture untapped market

During the past three months, the company has hired approximately 250 highly-trained and experienced sales force representatives and managers to bolster, create and sustain deep relationships with primary care physicians - key potential prescribers of Xifaxan (rifaximin) for IBS-D and Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide) tablets for opioid induced constipation (OIC). With approximately 70 percent of IBS-D patients initially presenting with symptoms to a primary care physician, the dedicated PCP sales force will be positioned to reach even more patients in need of IBS-D treatment.   

"This will complement our existing primary care team and will allow us to capture nearly 75 percent of the primary care market opportunity," said Mark McKenna, senior vice president and general manager, Salix Pharmaceuticals. 

In addition, the company has expanded its dedicated pain sales representatives to strengthen its position in the OIC market, and established a nurse educator team to educate clinical staff within top institutions.  

Salix Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest gastrointestinal specialty pharmaceuticals companies in the world, develops and markets prescription pharmaceuticals products and medical devices for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders.