UK CMA Launches Inquiry Into Steep Antibiotics Price Rise

Soaring Strep A Cases Have Left Penicillin And Amoxicillin In Short Supply

The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating a rise in antibiotic wholesale prices in the UK after pharmacists reported steep increases in the costs they were facing for penicillin and amoxicillin.

Jagged red arrow pointing upward surrounded by pound coins
Pharmacists have reported price rises from £2 to £19 • Source: Shutterstock

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has commenced an inquiry into the steep rise in wholesale antibiotics prices in the country. Soaring cases of strep A, largely among schoolchildren, have driven up demand for penicillin and amoxicillin significantly.

Some pharmacists are now reporting that they are being charged £19 ($23) for drugs which would usually cost them just...

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