Category: Healthcare

Veterinary Services Market: CMA’s Review

First published by Author on November 01, 2023 in the following categories: Consumer Law Healthcare Industry Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | consumer law | investigations | market study

In recent times, the veterinary services market has been under scrutiny by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a bid to ensure fair competition and consumer welfare.

This market review sheds light on potentially critical aspects of the industry. In this article from the team here at The Competition Lawyers, we will delve into the details of the CMA’s recent market review and its implications for both consumers and industry players. Given how lucrative the market for pets is, it is clear that this is an industry that requires healthy competition at all times.

Private healthcare market competition investigation

The private healthcare market investigation that has been ongoing for over a decade is a matter that has seen a recent update published by the UK’s CMA, the Competition and Markets Authority.

Private healthcare is a particularly sensitive industry in relation to competition law, and it is one that must be monitored carefully to make sure that patients – i.e. consumers – can make the best choices for them. In this latest update from the CMA, it has been suggested that there is still much more work that needs to be done.

Mobile radio network services CMA investigation

First published by Author on July 06, 2022 in the following categories: Healthcare Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | healthcare | investigations | market study

The CMA has launched a market investigation into the mobile radio network services in respect of the infrastructure used by emergency services to securely communicate in Great Britain.

The investigation is looking into whether the current model and market for this niche industry works to achieve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in respect of the tax burden on the British treasury. Whilst an infrastructure system was reportedly established some 20 years ago on a long-term contract basis, given how bespoke the requirements of the system were, the CMA is looking into whether we are now in a time where other providers may be able to offer more cost-effective solutions.

CMA investigation into suspected anti-competitive pharmaceuticals agreements

In late 2017, the CMA released a statement announcing that it had begun an investigation into suspected anti-competitive pharmaceuticals agreements between “various parties”.

The pharmaceutical companies under review were kept anonymous until 2019. Then, according to the CMA, they alleged that Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Focus, Lexon, and Medreich had reportedly made agreements to not compete in regard to supplying anti-nausea drug Prochlorperazine.

In January, the CMA published an update regarding their investigation, which was set to conclude in Autumn 2021. As the case approaches its end, we look back at investigation so far and assess the potential damage the anti-competitive agreements may have caused.

The CMA’s Nortriptyline investigation

First published by Author on April 14, 2021 in the following categories: Consumer Law Healthcare Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | healthcare | investigations

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued fines as a result of their nortriptyline investigation. Nortriptyline is an unbranded, prescription-only generic medicine used for the relief of symptoms of depression. In some cases, it can be used to treat neuropathic pain and nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting).

The CMA has recently issued decisions imposing fines on suppliers of nortriptyline tablets for reportedly breaching competition law after their nortriptyline investigation concluded. There have also been director disqualifications.

CMA launch investigation into the supply of lithium-based medication

First published by Author on October 15, 2020 in the following categories: Healthcare Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | healthcare | investigations

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the supply of lithium-based medication, used to treat bipolar disorder.

The CMA has announced the investigation will look into prominent pharmaceutical company, Essential Pharma. They are suspected to have abused an alleged dominant position as a medication supplier by proposing to withdraw the supply of lithium-based medication to UK patients.

Provisional finding in drug price hikes case

The UK’s competition regulator has made a provisional finding in the longstanding investigation into drug price hikes, and the outcome is damning.

Issues surrounding pharmaceutical competition breaches are numerous and serious. At the end of the day, the consumer in these cases is patients and the NHS; that’s our tax money.

Any infringement of vital competition laws when it comes to medical matters should always lead to significant punishments, and the work of the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) in this area is incredibly important. The provisional finding in this matter accompanies an admission from one of the companies involved as well.

Hydrocortisone tablets competition investigation

First published by Author on October 09, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Market Dominance Abuse and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | market abuse | pricing

Here’s the latest in the hydrocortisone tablets competition investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The history of this key study goes way back to October 2017 when the CMA started looking into alleged anti-competitive agreements and alleged abusive conduct. Exactly two years on, a great deal has happened as the CMA looks to ensure that the NHS and patients alike are not being ripped off by vastly wealthy pharmaceutical companies.

As we often say when the investigation involves the healthcare industry, this is a serious and important matter.

Privately funded healthcare services deadline looming

First published by Author on September 26, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Industry Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations

The deadline for continuing the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the privately funded healthcare services is looming.

The CMA has been looking into whether there’s any anti-competitive arrangements in the sector. If there are, competition may be stifled, and the consumer may be getting hit in the pocket.

When it comes to investigations that involve healthcare, they can often be the most important ones. They say that you can’t put a price on your health, but in reality, big medical companies and pharmaceutical giants literally do just that.