Vital Options Garners Drug-Firm Sponsorship

Vital Options, the national cancer support and communications organization, has secured pharmaceutical giant Pharmacia & Upjohn as a corporate sponsor and hired a new public affairs director.

Sherman Oaks-based Vital Options, a national clearinghouse for cancer information and support services, will use the new public affairs director, Eric T. Rosenthal, to serve as a liaison with other cancer centers nationwide.

An educational grant from Pharmacia & Upjohn will enable the organization to expand the market for its radio talk show, called “The Group Room,” for families affected by cancer, said Selma Schimmel, president and CEO of Vital Options.