AAH, Alliance Healthcare agree Astellas distribution deal

AAH Pharmaceuticals and Alliance Healthcare are to become exclusive UK distributors for Astellas Pharma products as part of a new deal.

The two companies, as well as Phoenix Healthcare, will be the sole suppliers of Astellas Pharma products including Cardene, Lipobase, Conotrane, Locoid and Zineryt, reports Chemist and Druggist.

This new arrangement comes into effect on November 1st 2010 and has been finalised following the completion of a competitive tender process.

It will not affect Alliance Healthcare's direct supply arrangement for products such as Advagraf and Modigraf, which will continue to follow an agency distribution model.

An Astellas spokesperson explained: "Astellas believes this change will result in a more efficient and transparent supply chain with a closer relationship with fewer wholesalers that should improve the service to customers and ultimately patients."

This comes after Chemist and Druggist reported in July 2010 that these three companies have also become exclusive UK distributors for Servier Laboratories.