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PRESS RELEASE 3rd February 2010
PFIZER LAUNCHES GENERIC MEDICINES PORTFOLIO IN THE UK
- Pharmacy customers to benefit from an additional six generic medicines from Pfizer –
LONDON, 3 February 2010 – Pfizer Limited has launched six generic medicines today for its pharmacy and dispensing customers in the UK. These medicines have been introduced into Pfizer’s Established Products Business Unit portfolio of over 80 off-patent medicines, following agreements between Pfizer and generic medicine manufacturers Aurobindo Pharma Ltd and Claris Lifesciences last year.
The generic medicines are metformin, finasteride, ondansetron, paroxetine, mirtazapine and mirtazapine OD for disorders including, type 2 diabetes1, benign prostatic hyperplasia2, post-operative nausea and vomiting3 and depression4,5,6.
The introduction of these medicines increases the range of high quality and cost effective medicine options that Pfizer can offer pharmacists and healthcare professionals. Over time, Pfizer plans to increase the range of generic medicines offered to its customers, with further medicines expected to be launched throughout this year.
“Pfizer is committed to ensuring that its generic medicines continue to build on the strong heritage of its patented medicines, which are known for their quality, efficacy and supply reliability,” said Steve Poulton, Commercial Director and Head of the Established Products Business Unit at Pfizer UK. “Our generic medicines will continue to deliver commercial value to pharmacists through Pfizer’s a healthy partnership pharmacy programme by providing our customers with a wider product offering.”
Pfizer’s Established Products Business Unit specialises in making quality medicines available to patients and healthcare professionals, notably pharmacists, under the Pfizer brand. Various services aimed specifically at dispensing pharmacists are also offered, such as Pfizer’s Medicine Use Review (MUR) training programme.
Pfizer continues to reinforce its commitment to pharmacy through its ‘a healthy partnership™’ initiative, which helps support its customers in their important role of delivering healthcare and services to patients. As part of this programme, Pfizer is rolling out activities in three key areas:
· Supporting professional development: supporting the professional role of the pharmacist as front line healthcare professionals
· Enhancing the patient experience: improving outcomes through patient focused programmes
· Delivering commercial value: recognising the commercial aspect of pharmacy business
-ENDS-
For more information please contact:
Pfizer UK Press Office Mani Reel – Red Health
Telephone: 0845 300 8033 Telephone: 020 7025 6584
Email: Email:
About Pfizer Established Products Business Unit
Pfizer’s Established Products Business Unit was created in 2008 to supply patients throughout the world with medicines that would enable them to benefit from our experience in quality, reliability of supply and good pharmaceutical practice. Established products are medicines which are no longer patent-protected or are about to lose this protection. This portfolio represents an opportunity to supply medicines to patients all over the world, which correspond to Pfizer’s internationally renowned quality standards.
Pfizer: Working Together for a Healthier World™
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products.
Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. Formore than 150 years,Pfizer has worked to makea difference for all who rely on us.
In the UK, Pfizer has its European R&D headquarters at Sandwich and its UK business headquarters in Surrey, and is the major supplier of medicines to the NHS. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us atwww.pfizer.co.uk
References
1. Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride) Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/1043/SPC/Glucophage+500+mg+and+850+mg+film+coated+tablets/
2. Proscar (finasteride) Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/1190/SPC/Proscar+5mg+film-coated+Tablets/
3. Ondansetron Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/18937/SPC/Ondansetron+4mg%2c+8mg+Tablets+(Wockhardt+UK+Ltd)/
4. Paroxetine Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/21736/SPC/Paroxetine+20+mg+Tablets+(Sandoz+Limited)/
5. Mirtazapine Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from http://www.actavis.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E4A02C2F-A704-4D96-BADF-56B1BE271A68/0/Mirtazapine15mgT9221spc.pdf
6. Zispin SolTab (mirtazapine) orodispersible tablets Summary of Product Characteristics. Available from http://emc.medicines.org.uk/medicine/21573/SPC/Zispin+SolTab+15mg%2c+30mg+and+45mg+Orodispersible+Tablets/
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Date of preparation: January 2010