We are pleased to announce that effective 1 April 2008, Fourth Hurdle has become part of IMS Health.

Health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) expertise is a key area for both Fourth Hurdle and IMS; this exciting development will enable us to accelerate our provision and commitment to quality services in this arena for the pharmaceutical and health care industry.

Operating in more than 100 countries, IMS is the world’s leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Data, and proprietary methodologies for creating high-impact solutions from that data, are the foundation of IMS’ business. IMS’ strategy is to increase the value of its rich data assets for clients by building a strong consulting and services capability. It is a capability that enables clients to make evidence-based decisions on strategies to improve their market position. The expertise of Fourth Hurdle is combined with the global IMS HEOR group, together with a team based in Hammersmith, to create the largest HEOR group in the UK.

Including Fourth Hurdle’s capabilities, IMS offers global consulting expertise in the following areas to support the value of healthcare:

• HEOR strategy development
• Cost-effectiveness studies
• Budget impact analyses
• Observational studies
• Compliance and persistence studies
• Reimbursement dossiers
• Preference studies
• Burden of illness studies
• Disease models
• Evaluation of clinical practice
• Health care practices and policies
• Value communication

IMS is committed to continue delivering high value services to all clients and you may be confident that the combined capabilities and expertise of Fourth Hurdle and IMS will provide an even stronger, broader range of solutions to support your business.

If you have any questions about this exciting development, please do not hesitate to call us on the numbers below.

Jon Resnick
VP and Practice Leader Pricing and Market Access
Tel: +44 (0)1223 273436

Opportunities at Fourth Hurdle Consulting Ltd
Senior Analyst

Based in Central London

As a result of the continued growth of our company we have an opportunity for a talented individual to join our successful team. We seek an experienced analyst who has project management and client management experience.

Applicants should have:

• a good first degree and/or postgraduate qualification in economics, health economics, epidemiology or a related, relevant discipline;
• two or more years of post-university work experience;
• an understanding of economics and health economics;
• good interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written;
• ability to undertake the critical appraisal of evidence;
• good organisation and the ability to balance multiple projects;
• fluent English (spoken and written).

We are particularly interested to receive applications from people who can demonstrate:

• an understanding of, or experience with, the pharmaceutical or related industries;
• familiarity with the organisation and financing of health care in developed countries;
• project management experience;
• numerical and quantitative skills, such as experience of financial, business or economic modelling;
• systematic review and meta analysis training and experience;
• the ability to work in one or more European languages other than English;
• experience of statistical analysis.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead projects, and to assume responsibility for client liaison, supervision of junior staff and delivery to deadline. We would expect such an individual to have several years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, in a consulting environment or at a similar level of responsibility in another organisation. The ability to deliver high quality work within timelines is essential, as is a flexible and team-oriented approach. As a significant number of our clients are based overseas, projects involve occasional international travel. As an Investors in People recognised company we are committed to the professional training and personal development of our staff. All staff have written training and development plans, significant client interaction and responsibility for projects appropriate to their level of skill and experience.

We offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, reflecting the skills and experience of each member of staff. We provide a pension scheme, a profit related bonus and other benefits. Fourth Hurdle is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to a flexible and friendly working environment. We plan to hold preliminary interviews during the week of the 11th February 2008 and thus require applications to be received by 31st January 2008.
 
If you require any further information please contact Tom Smith, Office Manager, Fourth Hurdle Consulting Ltd, 137-144 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PL, Tel +44 (0) 20 7440 4060  Fax +44 (0) 20 7440 4070. E-mail: TomSmith@FourthHurdle.com

If you wish to make an application for one of the posts, you should email or send your CV stating;
1.       the reason for your interest in the post,
2.       how your skills and experience match up to our needs,
3.       how you think you could contribute to our business, and
4.       your status regarding residency and ability to work in the UK
         (e.g. if you require a work permit to be able to take up a post in the UK please state this).