DRUGS giant Pfizer has rejected a letter from leading Kent figures who have joined Oxfam's campaign to cut the cost of life-saving medicines as "unfair and innacurate".

Oxfam is stepping up the pressure on the Sandwich-based company, which it accuses of putting profits before people. Politicians, civic leaders and celebrities are supporting the campaign.

Sir Bob Geldof, Dover MP Gwyn Prosser and the chairman of Kent County UNISON, Andrew Tait, have signed a letter to Pfizer. It says: "We have written to Pfizer this week urging them to act now and improve access to essential medicines for people in poorer countries.

"At present there is a world health crisis with 14 million people dying each year from preventable and treatable diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

"Many of these sick people could be saved if essential medicines were not priced out of their reach."

A spokeswoman for Pfizer said: "As a responsible company dedicated to improving global healthcare it is greatly disappointing that Oxfam has chosen to issue this letter.

"We are in communication with Oxfam and respect and share its goal of creating sustainable solutions to developing world health issues.

"However in this instance we believe the criticisms levelled in this letter are unfair and inaccurate."

She pointed out that Pfizer medicines sold in developing countries are already priced at a fraction of their western cost.

"For many patients in least developed countries, medicines at any price are unaffordable," she said.