latest health care news

14.08.19

NHS receives £8m pharmaceutical anti-competitive practices payout

The NHS has received an £8m payout from a pharmaceutical firm, after it had been found to be engaged in anti-competitive practices that pushed up the cost of a life-saving drug.

It is the first time that an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has secured a payment of this kind to the NHS.

The pharmaceutical company – who also face a £2.1m fine as a result of the CMA probe – supplies the NHS with fludrocortisone, a life-saving medicine mainly used in the treatment of Addison’s disease. It is paid for by the NHS, using public funds.

Thousands of patients depend on fludrocortisone medicine, which is supplied only on prescription, typically to treat primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Andrea Coscelli, the chief executive of the CMA, said: “The CMA launched this investigation because we consider it unacceptable for the NHS – and the taxpayers who fund it – to have to pay millions of pounds more than they should for this life-saving drug.

“The £8m [compensation payout] will save the NHS the time and expense of seeking damages in court. Importantly, [the pharmaceutical company involved] has also committed to ensuring there are more competitors in this market, giving the NHS the opportunity to secure better value for UK taxpayers’ money in the future.”

The CMA is continuing its investigation into two other, unnamed pharmaceutical companies involved in the anti-competitive deal.

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

national health executive tv

more videos >

featured articles

View all News

last word

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad, president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), sits down with National Health Executive as part of our Last Word Q&A series. Would you talk us throu more > more last word articles >

health service focus

View all News

comment

NHS England dementia director prescribes rugby for mental health and dementia patients

23/09/2019NHS England dementia director prescribes rugby for mental health and dementia patients

Reason to celebrate as NHS says watching rugby can be good for your mental ... more >
Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Bei... more >

interviews

Matt Hancock says GP recruitment is on the rise to support ‘bedrock of the NHS’

24/10/2019Matt Hancock says GP recruitment is on the rise to support ‘bedrock of the NHS’

Today, speaking at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) annual... more >

the scalpel's daily blog

Covid-19 can signal a new deal with the public on health

28/08/2020Covid-19 can signal a new deal with the public on health

Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive, NHS Employers & Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Confederation The common enemy of coronavirus united the public side by side wi... more >
read more blog posts from 'the scalpel' >