02 March 2007

High Court of Justice Rules That Pfizer’s Distribution Model Can Go Live

UniChem Ltd welcomes the decision of the High Court of Justice to deny an interlocutory injunction against the commencement of Pfizer Ltd’s new Direct to Pharmacy distribution model. These new arrangements will now go live on Monday 5 March 2007. UniChem, the UK wholesale business of Alliance Boots that was appointed thanks to its excellent customer service levels, comprehensive national distribution network and strong heritage in the pharmaceutical sector, is ready to fulfil its role as appointed logistics service provider for Pfizer Ltd in the UK.

Under Pfizer’s new ‘Direct To Pharmacy’ distribution model which comes into effect in March 2007, UniChem is responsible for receiving and processing Pfizer orders, as well as storing and distributing Pfizer prescription medicines to pharmacists across the UK. In Northern Ireland, UniChem has elected to sub-contract part of this process to Sangers (NI) Ltd in order to ensure that current service patterns are maintained.

This arrangement is a reflection of UniChem’s desire to further strengthen its partnerships with manufacturers and pharmacists during a time of rapid evolution within the pharmaceutical market, to maintain the highest possible levels of patient care in the UK. Without its involvement, there was a high risk of arrangements being made with logistics service providers from outside of the pharmacy industry.

David Coles, Managing Director of UniChem, commented: “We understand the needs of the pharmaceutical market and are committed to offering pharmacists the best possible level of service under these new arrangements which will ensure the continuous supply of legitimate Pfizer prescription medicines to patients in the UK.”

Ornella Barra, Wholesale and Commercial Affairs Director, Alliance Boots, said: “Supporting the pharmacist profession is at the heart of our strategy. The pharmaceutical marketplace is rapidly evolving and the structural changes that are taking place will be more significant in the coming years than in the past decades. We are committed to being at the forefront of these changes whilst further strengthening partnerships with pharmacists and pharmaceutical manufacturers.”

For more information please contact:
Zoe Farthing, Communications Manager, 01932 871 569
Yves Romestan, Director of Central Marketing & Communications, 01932 871 554