UK parallel traders claim L30M Cozaar/Hyzaar savings for NHS

As a result of parallel import competition, the UK's National Health service will save an estimated L30.2 million ($60.8 million) per year due to major price reductions for one drug alone, the British Association of European Pharmaceutical Distributors claims.

Merck Sharp & Dohme, the UK subsidiary of US drug major Merck & Co, has cut by nearly a third the price of its angiotensin receptor blocker Cozaar/Hyzaar (losartan), the UK's sixth most prescribed drug. The drug's patent was due to expire in Spain this year (Marketletter November 27, 2006) and parallel importers have attained a market share of up to 75% for products of the Cozaar range in the UK.