OFT conclusions on UK medicines distribution
Office of Fair Trading report (100 pages, PDF) on the distribution of medicines in the UK. This was partly prompted by plans from Pfizer and AstraZeneca to take greater control of the distribution chain for their products.
Both recommendations in the report are addressed to the Government in its role as funder of the NHS. They relate to:
- possible changes in the use of list prices for reimbursement in the event that pharmacies' distribution discounts are cut through the introduction of direct-to-pharmacy distribution; and
- the possible imposition of minimum service standards for appointed distribution agents, to replace competitive pressures arising from competition between independent wholesalers.
The report does not appear to address any competition law issues.
For further information or advice please contact Franck Latrémolière.
Filed under Healthcare, OFT, Pharmaceuticals.
