Publication Extenders: The Strategic Secret Behind Impactful Drug and Device Launches

 In the competitive world of healthcare, publishing a clinical study is no longer the final destination—it’s just the beginning. The challenge today? Ensuring that your evidence reaches the right stakeholders, in the correct format, at the right time.

That’s where publication extenders come in.

These powerful tools transform dense scientific data into accessible, digestible, and engaging formats that resonate with a diverse audience, from busy physicians and payers to patients and policymakers.

What Are Publication Extenders?

Publication extenders are alternative formats that expand published studies' reach, utility, and lifespan. Instead of letting valuable data sit in journals, life sciences companies are turning findings into:

  • Plain Language Summaries (PLS) – Simplified versions for patients and the public.
  • Infographics – Visual snapshots of key clinical outcomes.
  • Video Abstracts & Animations – Animated overviews of study goals and findings.
  • Podcasts – Audio synopses for on-the-go consumption.
  • Interactive Tools – Calculators, dashboards, or decision aids.
  • Slide Decks – Field-ready presentations for reps and MSLs.
  • Social Media Excerpts – Adapted content for LinkedIn, X (Twitter), ResearchGate.
  • Journal Enhancements – Q&As, graphical abstracts, key point summaries.

These extenders do more than “market” your study—they strategically amplify its value.

Why Are They Game-Changers?

  1. Accessibility
    Not all stakeholders can (or want to) wade through 20-page journal articles. Extenders make insights clear and convenient.
  2. Evidence Uptake
    Infographics or PLS versions often drive faster understanding and real-world application, especially in clinical or policy decisions.
  3. Sustained Visibility
    Unlike articles that get read once, extenders keep the conversation going across platforms and over time.
  4. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
    Different formats appeal to different audiences—clinicians, payers, regulators, and patients—and all can engage in meaningful ways.

Strategic Application During Product Launches

Speed, clarity, and credibility are everything when a new drug or device launches. Publication extenders bridge the gap between scientific evidence and real-world usage:

  • Field Enablement: MSLs and reps use tailored slide kits and FAQs to deliver consistent, confident messaging.
  • HCP Education: Infographics and PLS summaries make complex data actionable.
  • KOL Engagement: Videos, webinars, and peer-to-peer conversations foster trust and advocacy.

In a recent cardiovascular launch, slide kits built from published data resulted in a 35% boost in HCP engagement.

For Medical Device Companies: A Unique Challenge

Unlike pharma, device launches hinge on usability, real-world experience, and clinician demonstration. Publication extenders meet these needs with:

  • Procedural Videos & Case-Based Infographics
    To showcase technical features and real-world effectiveness.
  • Usability & Human Factors Summaries
    To highlight learnability and safety, which are critical for purchase decisions.
  • Real-World Evidence (RWE) Dashboards
    To show post-marketing data, observational insights, and surgeon testimonials.

Final Thoughts

Publication extenders are not fluff—they are strategic assets. They translate evidence into experience, trust, and action. Whether launching a novel biologic or an advanced surgical device, one truth holds: The bridge between your data and its real-world impact is built with publication extenders.

At Freyr, our Medical and Scientific Communication Center of Excellence (MSC CoE) transforms complex scientific content into regulatory-compliant, engaging, and impactful formats tailored for global dissemination.

Freyr helps you not just publish your data—but activate its full potential.

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