The Polish competition authority has imposed fines totaling over 900 million zloty on four major pharmaceutical wholesalers for engaging in anti-competitive practices over a period of more than ten years. These companies exchanged sensitive information regarding drug prices, sales volumes, and trading conditions, which allowed them to limit competition and avoid price wars.

The companies involved, including Neuca, Farmacol, and Polska Grupa Farmaceutyczna, collectively held over 70% of the wholesale drug market from 2015 to 2022. Their collusion disrupted the natural competitive dynamics of the market, leading to higher prices for consumers.

Instead of competing independently for customers, these wholesalers shared information about current drug prices and trading conditions, which enabled them to avoid price competition. The fines were confirmed by the European Commission, which supported the authority's findings based on evidence obtained during investigations.

The authority emphasized that the lack of competition harmed pharmacies and ultimately patients, who ended up paying more for medications. The fines imposed were significant, with Neuca facing the largest penalty of nearly 500 million zloty. However, Polska Grupa Farmaceutyczna avoided fines by cooperating with the authority and providing evidence against the cartel.

The decision is not final, as the companies have the right to appeal in court.