Pfizer kicks off generics range with six drugs

04/02/2010

Pfizer has launched a range of generic medicines in the UK.

The pharma giant said the move to widen its product offering would maximise the value it offered pharmacies.

The initial launch consists of six medicines: metformin, finasteride, ondansetron, paroxetine, mirtazapine and mirtazapine OD.

Further medicines will be added throughout the year, dependent on licensing.

The range would offer pharmacists more choice in the generics market, Pfizer commercial director Steve Poulton told C+D, and was part of the company's aim "to move closer to pharmacists, because we recognise that pharmacists are becoming a much more influential voice in the use of medicines".

"My aim is that where pharmacists have a choice, they purchase their medicines from Pfizer," he said.

The generics would be supplied through Pfizer's DTP (direct to pharmacy) scheme and count towards pharmacies' discounts", Mr Poulton said. This would offer pharmacists "logistical and financial benefits," he added.

"Pharmacists will get the same benefits of the proven, robust supply chain for branded medicines... they will need to talk to their Pfizer account managers to work out pricing," Mr Poulton advised.

The launch was prompted by the number of blockbuster drugs coming off-patent in the next few years.

The range will be manufactured in India by Aurobindo Pharma and Claris Lifesciences, with which Pfizer signed agreements last year.