Den Tracker logoDragons’ Den Tracker

What Happened to Medicines Direct After Dragons’ Den?

Medicines Direct appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2011, Series 9 Episode 10. The business was a telephone ordering of long-term prescriptions. No deal was made — the Dragons decided not to invest. The company was dissolved in 2014.

The Pitch

Rob Forde and Dr John Blenkinsopp walked into the Den in 2011 with a telephone ordering of long-term prescriptions. They were asking for £75,000.

Despite their best efforts, the pitch didn’t convince the Dragons to open their wallets.

The Deal

No deal was made. The Dragons weren’t persuaded to invest, and Rob Forde and Dr John Blenkinsopp left the Den without backing.

What Happened After the Show

Medicines Direct did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2014, only 3 years after the Den appearance.

This is not an unusual outcome. The majority of businesses that appear on Dragons’ Den, deal or no deal, don’t make it in the long run. The show can provide a platform and capital, but it can’t substitute for a sustainable business model.

Is Medicines Direct Still Available?

No. Ista Health Limited is no longer in business. Companies House records show the company has been dissolved.

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Innovative Gadgets Ltd (Roastcosy), Culica Limited, The Optathlon, Redfoot Shoes. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Companies House Data

Status
dissolved
Company Number
06788739
Registered Name
ISTA HEALTH LIMITED
Incorporated
2009-01-12 (ceased 2014-02-04)
Company Type
ltd
SIC Codes
86210
Registered Address
47 Foxhouse Lane, Maghull, Merseyside, L31 3EW, England
Accounts
total-exemption-small (period ending 2012-01-31)
Officers
  • BLENKINSOPP, John, Dr. — director
    47 Foxhouse Lane, Maghull, Merseyside, L31 3EW, England
  • FORDE, Claire, Dr. — director
    47 Foxhouse Lane, Maghull, Merseyside, L31 3EW, England
  • FORDE, Robert Austin — director
    47 Foxhouse Lane, Maghull, Merseyside, L31 3EW, England
← Series 9 ← Episode 10