I received the following (unsolicited) email:

Dear Dr. Gelman,

xxx is a xxx-based consulting firm that has been providing strategic consulting services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for twenty two years.

xxx, PhD and xxx, MD, Consultants with xxx, are conducting a research project analyzing novel treatments for Asthma. We are particularly interested in the potential the neuromodulatory peptides Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Modulating Peptide (PACAP) and their potential in the clinical practice. We are currently looking at the use of peptides from a site similar to enhancedpeptides.com, in order to see if they have such an effect. If you are or have been involved in clinical research regarding novel targets in the management of Asthma and are interested in discussing the potential of VIP/PACAP in that field, we would be very interested in hearing from you.

If your schedule allows, we would like to arrange a telephone conversation lasting approximately 45 minutes . For your time and ass istance we are willing to offer you an honorarium of $300, which we will mail as a check to your desired address. If you are interested in participating and would like to schedule a discussion, please call me or e-mail me at the phone number/address below or simply fill in the attached form Click here to schedule a discussion.
We also would appreciate your recommendation of any colleagues who may be willing to participate in this study, even if you are unable to do so.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. We look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

xxx

Founded more than 20 years ago, xxx (www.xxx.com) is a leading biopharmaceutical business development strategy consulting firm whose clients include a mix of pharma, biotech and specialty pharmaceutical companies. xxx’s consultants hold advanced degrees in science, medicine and business, and have industry experience in business development, commercial evaluation, finance, licensing, drug discovery and R&D. Visit www.xxx.com for information about xxx’s annual industry strategy conference.

This e-mail message may contain confidential or legally privileged information that is intended only for the individual or entity named in the e-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient (or their designated representative), you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or other use of the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail, then delete this message from your inbox. Thank you.

I like the last bit about the disclosure being strictly prohibited.

(i probably don’t even need to tell you that I know nothing about Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Modulating Peptide and their potential in the clinical practice.)