Pfizer “broke competition rules”
Pfizer has been accused of breaking European competition rules by introducing a pricing structure in Spain that makes exporting to other European countries uneconomic.
The European Association of Euro-Pharmaceutical Companies (EAEPC) says
that Pfizer has agreed to sell medicines to selected Spanish wholesalers
at prices higher than those fixed by the Spanish government for reimbursement
under Spain’s health service. The wholesalers will later receive
rebates of the difference if Pfizer is
satisfied that the medicines have been sold within Spain and not
re-exported.
Hans Bøgh-Sørensen, EAEPC president, said: “Pfizer’s
actions are in clear breach of EU competition rules. We are submitting
to the [European] Commission a simple open and shut case. This is a straightforward
case for the commission to uphold competition in the pharmaceutical sector.”
Mr Bøgh-Sørensen added that Pfizer intended to exert control
over distribution in other EU member states. He said that the company
was considering a system of direct sales in Germany that would eliminate
wholesalers altogether.
A Pfizer spokeswoman said: “In Spain, Pfizer sells those medicines
which are eligible for reimbursement under the Spanish social security
system and dispensed in Spain at the government-enforced price, in accordance
with the Spanish medicines act. Pfizer medicines that do not fall within
this category are sold at a freely determined market price. The new distribution
system in Spain also offers an option for pharmacists to obtain medicines
directly from Pfizer, and complements the traditional distribution channel
through pharmaceutical wholesalers.”
She added: “No two countries have identical distribution infrastructures,
so the precise arrangements that Pfizer is making in Spain may not be
directly applicable elsewhere. We are considering future distribution
options in a number of European countries.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
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