Amazon looks set to enter the UK pharmacy market after registering a trademark.

The online giant has registered Amazon Pharmacy with the Intellectual Property Office, increasing speculation it is about to add another string to its bow in the UK.

It already offers an online delivery service in the USA with discounts of up to 80 per cent.

That would not be possible in the UK where drug prices are regulated.

Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies chief executive Leyla Hannbeck told The Sunday Times online services would be unable to match the expert advice available from high street pharmacies.

The UK pharmacy sector is believed to be worth around £11billion and is growing at two per cent a year.