£28m Nicorette account reviews out of BMP DDB

Pharmaceuticals manufacturer Pharmacia is believed to be reviewing the $40m (&£28m) international, non-US, creative account for Nicorette, the anti-smoking gum patches and inhaler brand.

The incumbent agency, BMP DDB, won the brand-building and product-specific advertising business for all markets outside the US and Canada two years ago.

According to industry sources, BMP DDB has been asked to re-pitch for the account next week.

But Pharmacia head of public affairs Mary Fran Fareji says: “We cannot confirm whether a review of agencies is taking place”.

Pharmacia UK marketing manager Alison Williamson says: “I am not aware of any review. But a new TV campaign for Nicorette by BMP DDB is scheduled for December this year.”

The media account for Nicorette is with Zenith Media, which is understood to be unaffected by the creative review.

Pharmacia produces Nicorette but SmithKline Beecham (SB) has a licence to market the product in the US. Competition in the smoking cessation market is increasing. Pharmacia has emerged as a potential bidder for the US rights to SmithKline’s smoking cessation gum and patches, should either become available as a result of an antitrust investigation.