AstraZeneca have confirmed that from the 2nd February 2008, they will deliver
their medicines directly to pharmacies in the UK through their two agency
partners, AAH and UniChem.
In a letter sent yesterday to all community pharmacies, AstraZeneca have also
outlined the financial terms on which they will supply pharmacies in future.
Different AZ products will attract different levels of discount with the same level
of discount applied for a particular product regardless of the volume purchased.
In addition, contractors may qualify for a retrospective rebate according to the
total value of AZ products purchased in a given month.
Commenting on AstraZeneca's announcement, PSNC Chief Executive, Sue
Sharpe said:
"This change is expected to result in a further increase in the number of products
where the purchase price exceeds the reimbursement price. PSNC is urging the
Department of Health to change the pricing arrangements for branded products
in its current review of the PPRS arrangements. This is something that the OFT
have also recently recommended to prevent an increase in NHS costs from
manufacturers changing their arrangements. Initial discussions have been held
with the Department of Health on this issue and it is hoped that this will be
resolved early in the New Year."
Notes:
1. The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) is the body that
represents community pharmacy on NHS matters and seeks to secure the
best possible NHS services provided by pharmacy contractors in England and
Wales.
2. A summary of recent changes to manufacturer's distribution arrangements can be
found here.
3. A summary of OFT market study into medicines distribution can be found here.
AstraZeneca, United Kingdom
Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee