Novo Nordisk has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Alliance Healthcare, which will come into force on March 3.At present, Novo Nordisk distributes though only Phoenix and Alliance.The new arrangement will see Alliance become the sole distributor of Novo Nordisk medicines in the UK. Alliance will continue to manage its customers’ delivery frequencies and discounts, as well as contacting pharmacists to confirm discounts and removal of the fuel surcharge for any Novo Nordisk orders.The arrangement covers all Novo Nordisk products in the UK apart from Novo Seven, which is a hospital-only product.Alliance commercial healthcare director Mark Stephenson confirmed the deal. “We are delighted to have been chosen to work with Novo Nordisk as their sole distribution partner for this range of medicines,” he said. “Alliance Healthcare is committed to maintaining the highest levels of service on Novo Nordisk products, and we will be communicating full details of this latest supply chain change to all customers in preparation for go-live on March 3, 2011.”Novo Nordisk UK managing director Viggo Birch added: “We believe that strengthening our partnership and working in collaboration with Alliance Healthcare will allow us to increase transparency and understanding of where and when Novo Nordisk medicines are needed across the UK, allowing us to provide a higher level of service to pharmacists and ultimately patients using our products.”Alliance signed a similar deal with Lundbeck in November 2010, prompting concerns over the effect of exclusive deals. The NPA warned these deals could increase administration and restrict choice in pharmacies and said they were not in the interest of “patients, pharmacies or the wider supply chain”.