• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, November 1, 2010

To break further ground in the health vertical, New York-based digital marketing firm Zemoga on Monday announced a partnership with healthcare-focused StrikeForce Communications.

Founded in 2002, Zemoga specializes in the design and development of digital programs across multiple channels including Web, iPad and mobile devices.

Yet, despite its interest in the health sector, it's not in the business of writing ad copy, according to co-founder DJ Edgerton. "One of the ripest areas for innovation online is pharma, but we believe that the agencies that are going to survive are the ones that partner, and [StrikeForce] knows a lot more about writing healthcare copy than we do," Edgerton said.

Founded by Mike Rutstein just last year, New York-based StrikeForce specializes in consumer advertising for prescription and over-the-counter products, as well as medical devices. "We believe that linking the right talent -- whether individual or agency -- to the specific client is a lot more effective than the one-size-fits-all mentality of traditional agencies," Rutstein said of his new relationship with Zemoga. Presently, Zemoga has roughly 150 employees with 5 offices in the U.S. and Latin America.

Initially, the two firms will work together to create a digital distribution program for a major brand from optics giant Alcon Laboratories, according to Edgerton. The account is one of several recently awarded to StrikeForce by Alcon.

Other recent wins have come from Orexigen Therapeutics and an unnamed Canadian company specializing in nutritional supplements. Previous assignments include projects from Pfizer (formerly Wyeth), Abbott Laboratories, Sepracor and Pozen Pharmaceuticals.

According to Edgerton, Zemoga has already created digital healthcare solutions through collaboration with other healthcare agencies including Palio Communications.

Clients include Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Stiefel Duac, EMD Sorono, URL, Genentech and Alcon.