Pfizer UK has written to MPs to defend its new distribution deal with Alliance-Boots against accusations that it poses a threat to patient safety and a blowout in NHS costs, The Times has learnt.
In a leaked letter, Pfizer addresses mounting concerns in Parliament about the new contract, which was signed in September and will mean that all UK chemists, dispensing doctors and hospitals buy Pfizer prescription medicines directly from Pfizer through UniChem, the wholesaling arm of Alliance-Boots.
The new system, which Pfizer says is designed to prevent counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain, circumvents traditional UK pharmaceutical wholesalers and will mean that Pfizer deals directly with every chemist in the UK.
The American company is fighting a growing political backlash against the project.
Critics say that it will create a monopoly over the supply of Pfizer drugs, which could cost the NHS money and lead to delays in getting key medicines to patients.
The Pfizer letter, dated October 27, claimed that 33 MPs who had signed up to an early day motion against the deal were the victims of “misconception and myths”.
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