Pfizer shake-up sparks investigation
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched an investigation into the distribution of medicines in the UK, following changes at the world's largest pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

Until recently, all medicines were distributed through a number of competing wholesalers. However, last month, Pfizer began selling prescription drugs through just one wholesaler, Unichem. The changes were implemented to tackle the increase in counterfeit drugs being found in the system.

Alliance Boots, which signed an exclusive logistics deal with Pfizer in September, said: 'The announcement of this market study does not affect the operation of the group's direct-to-pharmacy distribution arrangements with Pfizer.'

However, as a result of Pfizer's alterations, other suppliers are also considering introducing significant changes to their own distribution arrangements. The OFT study will consider the impact of such changes on competition, the NHS, and patients, and will report back by the end of the year.

UK pharmacies fulfil more than 800 million prescriptions a year.

OFT director in markets and projects Ann Pope said: 'Recent changes in the distribution arrangements for some medicines have caused great concern to many in the market. It is important for us to understand the likely impact of these changes on patients.'

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