ACCC starts proceedings against Pfizer.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has started proceedings in the Federal Court against Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd for alleged misuse of market power and exclusive dealing.
The proceedings relate to Pfizer’s supply of atorvastatin to pharmacies, with the ACCC alleging that Pfizer offered discounts and the payment of rebates accrued on sales of Pfizer’s Lipitor, conditional upon pharmacies acquiring a minimum of up to 12 months’ supply of its generic atorvastatin product.
These offers were first made prior to Pfizer’s loss of patent protection for the atorvastatin molecule, the ACCC said.
ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said the commission alleged that Pfizer engaged in the conduct with the purpose of deterring or preventing competitors from engaging in competitive conduct, as well as for the purpose of substantially lessening competition.
More information in tomorrow’s Pharmacy Daily.
