UAE: Pfizer, Merck to drop drug prices by up to 40%

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the prices of 67 drugs manufactured by Pfizer and Merck Sharp & Dohme will be cut by between 5% and 40% in July, and around other 20 multinational drugmakers are also expected to reduce their prices, say officials.

The reductions follow lengthy negotiations with drugmakers after a price comparison study conducted by a committee of the Ministry of Health found that drug prices in the UAE are the highest out of six neighbouring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab states - Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Reporting the findings in February, Ministry official Dr Amin al Amiri had said the study had found, for example, "a drug costing 180 dirhams in the UAE… costs 105 dirhams in Saudi Arabia. This is not fair."

via pharmatimes.com

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