Athena Medical PR has been appointed by Pfizer UK to run its PR campaigns for two of its anti-infective products: MRSA antibiotic Zyvox, and antifungal Vfend. The accounts were won in two separate, four-way pitches and will be headed up by the agency's account directors Emma Keeling and Michelle Cammack respectively.

MRSA is currently the subject of enormous public, political and media interest in the UK, and Athena's remit is to develop communications for Pfizer in the area.

The work will include projects in professional relations, political and media campaigns to reach key audiences, promotion of optimal management of MRSA, and work to improve patient outcomes.

Vfend is used to treat invasive fungal infections, including those caused by Aspergillus and other species of fungi. Athena has been brought in to strategically advise on, and implement an advocacy and medical education programme to raise the profile of Pfizer and Vfend in the anti-fungal market.

Commenting on the wins, Beverley Evans, director of Athena's UK Business Unit said: "It is fantastic to be able to work with Pfizer in such an interesting therapeutic area at a time when they are expanding their portfolio. We have a long history of working with Pfizer, including running the highly successful annual Pfizer Oncology Forum."

Athena is holding a series of special events throughout 2007 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

pharmafocus@wiley.co.uk