Aspen and Equity probes halt in the clear
Competition Commission narrows focus to three pharmaceutical firms in its investigation of cancer-drug prices
The Competition Commission has abandoned its investigation into excessive pricing of certain cancer drugs sold by Aspen Pharmacare and Equity Pharmaceutical because the volumes involved are so low. In June, the commission announced that it had initiated investigations into a number of pharmaceutical companies “for suspected abuse of dominance and excessive pricing in the provision of specific cancer medicines in SA”. Roche, Genentech and Pfizer were also part of the investigation into excessive pricing. The commission is continuing to investigate complaints against Roche, Genentech and Pfizer. On Tuesday, the commission said: “Based on the information gathered to date, the commission has decided to drop the investigation against Aspen and Equity because an excessive pricing case cannot be sustained against them.” Sipho Ngwema, head of communications at the commission, disputed the charge that the June announcement was inappropriately rushed. “We were faced with high prices that we b...
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