The key to the successful strategic use of pharmacoeconomic research is making sure we do not develop relatively sophisticated, scientific answers to irrelevant questions, said Dr Leandro Herrero, Vice-president of Research & Development Europe, Allergan, atOutcomes '95[Washington, DC, US; March 1995]. Talking about the strategic use of pharmacoeconomics, he emphasised that the correct question must be askedbeforeattention is turned to study methodology. While everyone recognises the importance of defining the question, far less time is committed to this vital step than to determining study methodology.