ACSM WELCOMES PRICE LISTS FOR ‘SPECIALS’
The ACSM, whose members produce a large proportion of the Specials manufactured in the UK, acknowledges that change is needed within the market and in the last year the ACSM has been consulting with the Department of Health (DH) about a method of controlling the cost of Specials that doesn't compromise the supply to vulnerable patients. Specials manufacturers in the UK have therefore welcomed the decision (August 19th) by the MHRA to allow manufacturers of unlicensed medicines (specials) to publish price lists. The ACSM, Association of Commercials Specials Manufacturers, believes the move will lead to greater transparency within the sector and help eliminate the practice of excessive price inflation within the distribution chain which has affected the industry‟s reputation in recent months. Specials account for less than 1% of prescriptions, but until now, legislation has prohibited manufacturers from providing any information to healthcare professionals about the unlicensed pro