Many pharmaceutical analysts, however, do not expect the slowdown in ad spending to last.

"The advertising has reached a new low," said Robert Uhl, a pharmaceutical analyst with Salomon Brothers.

"All the companies are looking for the next big wrinkle treatment," said Marc Goodman, a pharmaceutical analyst at Morgan Stanley.

According to several pharmaceutical analysts, Eldepryl, as the drug is known, is not a loser but has been undermarketed - a problem the company is addressing.

"It was a charmed group," said Herman Saftlas, senior investment officer and pharmaceutical analyst at Standard & Poor's.

Marc Goodman, a pharmaceutical analyst at Morgan Stanley, expects that figure to reach $409 million this year.

"He's allowed the company to look at itself with fresh eyes," said Barbara Ryan, pharmaceutical analyst at Deutsche Bank.

Barbara A. Ryan, a managing director and pharmaceutical analyst at Deutsche Bank, talked about the drugs and the companies.

"My sense is that they're going to have to go outside," said Jami Rubin, a pharmaceutical analyst with Morgan Stanley.

Marc Booty, a pharmaceutical analyst with Commerzbank in London, echoed that thought.