UK competition body publishes full decision in phenytoin case

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the full non-confidential decision following its investigation into unfair pricing for phenytoin sodium capsules in the UK.

In December last year, the CMA imposed a record £84.2 million (~$107 million at current exchange rates) fine on the pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and a £5.2 million fine on Flynn Pharma after finding that each broke competition law by charging excessive and unfair prices for phenytoin sodium capsules, an anti-epilepsy drug. The CMA also issued directions ordering both companies to reduce their prices, which they have now done.

The decision sets out the evidence gathered by the CMA during its investigation and its reasons for finding that Pfizer and Flynn Pharma infringed competition law.