AstraZeneca delay in UK distribution ‘welcomed’

AstraZeneca’s delay in introducing new distribution arrangements for the UK has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC).

The news comes in response to a letter sent by AstraZeneca to UK pharmacies, revealing that the new arrangements are to be postponed until 2008.

A partnership with UniChem was previously announced on April 20th, under which the distributor was to supply medicines directly to pharmacies and hospitals.

However, AstraZeneca has now delayed the move to allow time to fully assess objections to the scheme which may come from clients.

“We welcome AstraZeneca’s statement that they will be carrying out further consultation with their customers,” said PSNC head of information services Lindsay McClure.

She expressed concern that the changes may impact most directly on community pharmacies.

“We have met with representatives from AstraZeneca and explained this in detail to them,” Ms McClure added.

UniChem stated that its existing “excellent service levels” could be extended to AstraZeneca customers if the plans go ahead.