The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced its intention to seek a competition disqualification order against Mr John Beighton, a former director of Mercury Pharmaceuticals Limited, Advanz Pharma Services (UK) Limited, and Mercury Pharma Group Limited.
Mr Beighton, who served as CEO for over half of the infringement period, has been notified of the CMA's plan to initiate proceedings in the High Court of Justice. The move stems from the CMA's 29 July 2021 decision concerning the charging of excessive and unfair prices for liothyronine tablets.
Between January 2009 and July 2017, the price paid by the NHS for liothyronine tablets rose significantly, from £15.15 to £258.19, an increase of 1,605%. During this period, Advanz was the sole supplier of these tablets in the UK.
The High Court will ultimately decide whether to issue a disqualification order against Mr Beighton.