McCann Manchester has been appointed by Lundbeck, the international pharmaceutical company, to help launch a ground-breaking new product to tackle alcohol dependency.
Following a five-way pitch, the agency will plan and create a pan European multi-stage campaign for ‘Nalmefene’, a new product designed to help limit and control the intake of alcohol.
Lundbeck believes the drug – the first of its kind – could make a difference for the many people who need to reduce their harmful levels of alcohol consumption.
Unlike existing therapies, the treatment is not aimed at keeping the patient from drinking. Instead, Nalmefene helps to control and limit the intake of alcohol. The campaign will target both healthcare professionals and consumers.
An estimated 23 million Europeans are dependent on alcohol in any one year. It is the third leading cause of ill health after tobacco smoking and hypertension. There are more risks associated with alcohol than with elevated cholesterol levels and obesity.
One in ten deaths in the Western world is alcohol-related, and yet alcohol dependence remains a highly stigmatised, under-diagnosed and undertreated disease.
David Donaghue, Managing Partner at McCann Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Lundbeck on what for many people could be a life-changing therapy.
“We know that many people don’t want to stop drinking totally and if Nalmefene can help some reduce their intake then Lundbeck could leave a very positive and lasting legacy.”
The win builds on decades of healthcare and social marketing experience for McCann Manchester, both global and local clients.