The distribution will take place via UniChem and Pfizer have stated that there reason to undertake this change is to combat counterfeit supplies of Lipitor. However, the PSNC believe that this is part of a concerted move by Pfizer to kill parallel trade and drug diversion.
Sue Sharpe, chief executive officer of the PSNC, supports action to remove the risk of counterfeit medicines entering the supply chain, but sadi: ‘PSNC is concerned that having only one source of supply could mean pharmacies cannot meet patient needs promptly. The effect of Pfizer’s decision is to oblige all pharmacies to open an account with the sole distributor, and this will cause quite unnecessary additional burden and costs on pharmacies that use one of the other full line wholesalers.’
Sue Sharpe, chief executive officer of the PSNC, supports action to remove the risk of counterfeit medicines entering the supply chain, but sadi: ‘PSNC is concerned that having only one source of supply could mean pharmacies cannot meet patient needs promptly. The effect of Pfizer’s decision is to oblige all pharmacies to open an account with the sole distributor, and this will cause quite unnecessary additional burden and costs on pharmacies that use one of the other full line wholesalers.’
