LONDON - The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is set to receive a £23 million payment from Vifor Pharma as part of a settlement with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The agreement comes after the CMA's investigation into claims that Vifor Pharma disseminated potentially misleading information to healthcare professionals about a competing iron deficiency treatment.
The probe, initiated in January 2024, examined whether Vifor Pharma, which produces the intravenous iron deficiency treatment Ferinject, had unfairly restricted competition. The CMA looked into allegations that Vifor Pharma spread misinformation about the safety of Monofer, an alternative treatment supplied by Pharmacosmos.
Iron deficiency anaemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells due to lack of iron, can severely affect quality of life, especially for patients with chronic health issues or those preparing for major surgery. The CMA's concerns centered on the potential impact misleading claims could have had on patient treatment and NHS finances.
Vifor Pharma has proposed a number of commitments to address the CMA's concerns, including the £23 million payment to the NHS and a corrective communication to healthcare professionals regarding the safety of Monofer and Ferinject. The company has also agreed to implement measures to prevent the future spread of misleading information.
Juliette Enser, the CMA's Executive Director for Competition Enforcement, emphasized the importance of accurate information in the pharmaceutical industry, noting the impact it has on patient care and competition, which in turn affects the NHS's ability to secure value for money.
The CMA is now seeking consultation on the proposed commitments until January 17, 2025. If accepted, these commitments would become legally binding, allowing the CMA to conclude its investigation without determining whether Vifor Pharma violated competition law.
This case marks the first time the CMA has investigated misleading claims in this manner under its competition law enforcement powers. Historically, the CMA has been active in the pharmaceutical sector, imposing fines totaling around £400 million to safeguard the NHS's interests.
The CMA will engage with interested parties during the consultation period. Further details are available on the Vifor Pharma investigation page. This development is based on a press release statement from the CMA.
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