And Howard Robin should be. Sure, everyone knew Exubera, which Nektar Therapeutics made for Pfizer, was an embarassing flop. In recent months, the demise of the inhaled insulin device - which was often called a a bong and, more recently, was turned into a birdfeeder - seemed more like a question of when, not if. But one would think Jeff Kindler could have found a way to give Howie a heads up that Exubera was about to be deep-sixed.

Not so. Nektar issued a remarkable press release - after Pfizer announced its decision - and openly complained that Jeff never bothered to pick up the phone or send even an e-mail to clue him in on the big move. Just check out Howie’s statement:

“We first learned this morning of Pfizer’s decision to walk away from Exubera from their press release,” he says. “Nektar has been very disappointed in Pfizer’s performance in marketing Exubera. Pfizer has publicly acknowledged its organizational difficulties and resulting poor performance in launching Exubera. This has culminated in their announcement today. We are evaluating all of our options with respect to Pfizer’s Exubera announcement to protect the interests of Nektar. We continue to believe Exubera is an important advancement for diabetic patients.”

Press releases are supposed to be reserved for annoying journalists, recalcitrant investors and wrong-headed regulators. Imagine what Jim Cornelius at Bristol-Myers Squibb is thinking right now as he ponders their collaboration - will I hear from Jeff again or simply read his latest thoughts on PR Wire?

Hat tip to the Health Blog