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.

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Comment on this Story

1. Posted by Nicol Baird, On 10/02/2010 23:40

Pfizer can Pf....off

sorry, for more constructive comment see the responses below, same general message.

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2. Posted by Niru Desai, On 09/02/2010 11:48

I wouldn't buy their generics even if given free.There is such a thing as loyalty to customers and this company has never been a friend of pharmacy in my experience.money comes first in their dealings.if they succeed they will eventually monopolise generic distribution as well!!fellow pharmacists my request to you.for once don't fall for incentives no matter how tempting(in the long run you will loose if you support them)
show them the door when their reps come to see you

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3. Posted by J Patel, On 07/02/2010 17:38

GSK tried this in the 80's with branded generics. How successful was that!
I hope they don't succeed as the goodwill they have invested in pharmacy have made them very few friends.
Just can't wait for atorvastatin and sildenafil to be available as generics.

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4. Posted by R Cygan, On 07/02/2010 12:47

Interesting!
Why would anyone want to get anything (let alone generics) through the Pfizer dtp scheme?
Of course Pfizer would like to move closer to pharmacies. Atorvastatin should be coming off patent in a little over 12 months. This will be pay-back time for the way Phizer has treated pharmacy and pharmacy remuneration over the years. If there is anyone still out there who believes that Pfizer is looking after the interests of Pharmacy then you are living on another planet.
Phizer dtp will be the last place I (and I am fairly sure most pharmacists) will be buying their generics!

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5. Posted by michael franks, On 06/02/2010 07:44

please show pfizer how much we appreciate their dtp scheme. demand 25% discount compared with the cheapest available elsewhere or stick with the companies that appreciate our support. pfizer are not interested in supporting pharmacy they are only interested in their bottom line!

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6. Posted by shane o'hare, On 04/02/2010 12:45

"to move closer to pharmacists"
"This would offer pharmacists "logistical and financial benefits," he added.'

These quotes coming from Pfizer! A company who have continued to undermine the profitability of community pharmacy for a number of years now.
Will be interesting to see how this will develop!

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

I chose to get my generics elsewhere.

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