CANCER DRUGS
EXCLUSIVE: Analysis shows Aspen kept price rises to legal limit
The local scenario is in sharp contrast to Europe, where Aspen is being investigated by competition authorities for implementing steep price hikes
Generic drug maker Aspen Pharmacare, which faces a probe by the Competition Commission over the price of some of its cancer drugs, has kept its South African price hikes within the limits set by the health department, an analysis by Business Day shows. The local scenario is in sharp contrast to Europe, where Aspen is being investigated by competition authorities for implementing steep price hikes on the same drugs. The South African Competition Commission announced last Tuesday that it was launching an investigation into Aspen, Roche and Pfizer over the price of their cancer drugs. The Aspen drugs in question are Leukeran, Alkeran and Myleran, which were in a portfolio of off-patent drugs it acquired from GlaxoSmithKline in December 2009.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.