Pfizer launches generics portfolio in the UK

Pfizer has launched six generic medicines for pharmacy and dispensing customers in the UK. The products are part of the company's Established Products Business Unit portfolio of over 80 off-patent medicines and were added to its armoury following agreements with generics manufacturers Aurobindo Pharma and Claris Lifesciences in 2009.

The six medicines include; metformin, finasteride, ondansteron, paroxetine, mirtazapine and mirtazapine OD for disorders including, type 2 diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia, post-operative nausea and vomiting, and depression.

"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," said Steve Poulton, commercial director and head of the Established Products Business Unit.

In 2008, Pfizer launched A Healthy Partnership, following research into the pharmacy community's understanding of the pharmacy contractual framework, to support community pharmacists in their important role of delivering healthcare and new services to patients.

Results from the review showed that there was variable understanding among pharmacists of exactly what the new contractual framework entailed. The research also confirmed that community pharmacy was in professional transition, with the pharmacist's role evolving from traditional dispensing towards greater involvement in delivering frontline care.

A Healthy Partnership includes a range of support packages to help pharmacists achieve specific objectives within the pharmacy contractual framework and works with community pharmacy in three important areas:

• Supporting professional development: giving support to pharmacists as frontline healthcare professionals 
• Enhancing the patient experience: improving outcomes through patient-focused programmes 
• Delivering commercial value: recognising the commercial aspect of pharmacy business