Allergosan Responds to Criticism Over Pharmacy Distribution Practices
Allergosan, a leading manufacturer in the pharmaceutical sector, recently addressed concerns raised by members of the pharmacy community regarding the availability of its products through online retailers. The company's CEO reaffirmed Allergosan's longstanding policy of prioritizing brick-and-mortar pharmacies for product distribution, following the listing of several Allergosan products on the online platform of a major retail pharmacy chain.
In a statement to pharmacy professionals, Allergosan emphasized that these product listings were carried out without the company's consent. The manufacturer reiterated its commitment to supporting local pharmacies, highlighting the essential role they play in public health through consultation, expertise, and customer service. Allergosan clarified that it had previously declined to enter into a partnership with the online retailer, communicating its position clearly and consistently over the preceding months.
Allergosan outlined its ongoing efforts to back local pharmacies, including exclusive loyalty initiatives, specialized training through its professional academy, free medical and scientific consultation, and educational presentations held within pharmacies. The company reaffirmed its intention to continue providing resources and support to ensure the ongoing success of traditional pharmacies in an increasingly digitalized healthcare environment.
Despite these assurances, some pharmacy owners expressed skepticism, pointing to the widespread availability of Allergosan products through online and mail-order pharmacies, particularly in significant quantities. Critics argued that while the company maintained a public commitment to supporting in-store pharmacies, its products were also being supplied in large volumes to online competitors, especially those operating internationally. This, they noted, created a challenging environment for local pharmacies, who struggled to compete with the pricing and convenience of large-scale online distributors.
Further concerns were raised about the effectiveness of training and educational initiatives if customers could easily purchase Allergosan products online, often at lower prices. Independent pharmacy owners contended that such market practices placed them at a disadvantage, as manufacturers benefited from the efficiency and scale of online distribution while local outlets contended with higher service expectations and operational complexity. There were calls for Allergosan to restrict the supply of its products to online retailers and to reinforce their exclusivity for physical pharmacies.
In response, Allergosan disputed the allegations, maintaining that its support for local pharmacies was genuine and not merely a marketing slogan. The company explained that the presence of its products on online platforms reflected broader market and legal realities, rather than an intentional parallel distribution strategy. Allergosan also highlighted that many pharmacy-only brands now appear on digital channels, a trend shaped by evolving distribution regulations and consumer demand.
As the pharmaceutical market undergoes significant changes with the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer behavior, the debate highlights the tensions between traditional pharmacy models and the growth of online distribution. Allergosan's response underscores the complexities faced by manufacturers seeking to balance long-term partnerships with local pharmacies while adapting to an increasingly competitive and digitalized marketplace.