PFIZER Australia has confirmed that effective next Mon 03 Oct community pharmacies will only be able to obtain Hospira medicines via the Pfizer Direct distribution channel.
The move follows last year's acquisition of Hospira by Pfizer (PD 14 Aug 15), with the integration of the business into Pfizer's current operating model now complete, according to Pfizer Head of Trade Operations ANZ, Madonna McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said pharmacies can order Hospira medicines alongside Pfizer products through POS systems and the iStore portal.
"Pfizer is committed to ensuring consumers have access to our medicines in every location in Australia...we offer next business day delivery to over 5,400 pharmacies in Australia," she said.
Existing distribution arrangements for Hospira products into the hospital channel as well as Pfizer's consumer business will remain unchanged at this stage.
McLaughlin confirmed Pfizer Australia had been working with wholesalers of legacy Hospira medicines on transitional activities, such as stock management and other processes in preparation for the change.
She said Pfizer Australia's direct distribution facility, which started on 31 Jan 2011, had since then delivered more than 2.3 million orders "demonstrating the depth of capability and commitment to this operation".
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