AstraZeneca drops direct distribution
COMMUNITY pharmacies will soon no longer be able to order any AstraZeneca medicines via DHL, under a further shift in the company’s Australian distribution strategy announced this morning.
Effective 01 Oct 2019 pharmacies will continue to be able to order any of the items via their preferred full-line wholesaler, in the latest evolution of the controversial direct supply model which was introduced two years ago (PD 31 Oct 2017).
At the time there was a chorus of outcry about the move, which affected the way about nine of AstraZeneca’s high-cost medicines were distributed to pharmacies.
Initially the direct supply deal was exclusive, but late last year AstraZeneca introduced a two-channel system (PD 05 Dec 2018), which made the products available through existing wholesalers as well as via DHL.
This latest backflip “is a response to feedback from numerous community pharmacists, following our decision to make our medicines available directly to pharmacy,” a spokesperson said.
“Everyone asked for choice, a reliable easy way to order and access all our medicines, and this updated distribution model will address your requirements.”
Arrow Pharmaceuticals will be AstraZeneca’s authorised reseller, and will be providing support to pharmacists during the transition.
“We know the importance of supporting you on the ground and Arrow Pharmaceuticals has the presence and relationships across the country to help all involved,” the company said.
AstraZeneca added that pharmacies may wish to take this opportunity to review their ordering of its products, including reviewing any pre-set point-of-sale (POS) template ordering.
“Under the new arrangements, pharmacy will need to ensure that POS systems are re-directed to first line wholesalers for AstraZeneca medicines,” a statement advised.
Symbion CEO, Brett Barons, said pharmacists and patients would be the major beneficiaries of the change, adding: “exclusive-direct supply arrangements add an unnecessary layer of administrative complexity for pharmacists and offer no protection for patients because there are no service standards.”