Manufacturer Merck Serono has struck an exclusive deal with AAH to distribute its fertility products to community pharmacies from January 9, next year.

The move will extend an existing deal for hospitals and fertility clinics and see AAH distributing Merck Serono's fertility range to community pharmacies and dispensing doctors as well as hospitals and clinics in the UK, excluding Northern Ireland.

AAH managing director Mark James said the arrangement would ensure "universal coverage" as well as "a robust and resilient supply chain."

"We are pleased that Merck Serono has chosen AAH Dextrous Solutions as its distribution partner," he said. "As we have with other pharmaceutical manufacturers, AAH worked closely with Merck Serono to develop a proposal that will ensure universal coverage and retain a robust and resilient supply chain."

AAH stressed that the deal would not represent any changes for existing pharmacy customers. Merck Serono's fertility range includes Cetrotide, Crinone, Gonal-F, Luveris, Ovitrelle and Pergoveris.