APSM

15 th NOVEMBER 2011 The ACSM has changed its name to the Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers (APSM) to reflect the clinical nature of its members’ products and services. As the trade association representing the interests of companies involved in the manufacture of unlicensed medicines, the role and importance of the APSM has grown in recent months as the organisation has provided a conduit for information and advice to the DH in the lead up to the Specials Tariff (published this month).   Specials account for around 1% of the prescription budget but this can be made up of more than 75,000 different formulations – each designed to meet the specific need of a patient where a licensed medicine is not available.  Said APSM Chairman, Alan Krol, “Specials serve a vital clinical need, it really is tailored and personalised medicine in every way – no other pharmaceutical manufacturer gets closer to the patient.” Said APSM Vice Chair, Sharon Griffiths, “Heightened

Please click here to view the article published 10th November 2011.

Initial reaction to THE SPECIALS TARIFF is that it appears to reflect the input given by Specials manufacturers to the DH and the ACSM has welcomed its introduction.  Speaking on behalf of the ACSM (Association of Commercial Specials Manufacturers), which represents 80% of specials manufacture in the UK, Chairman, Alan Krol (pictured left) said, “Over the last two years our members have worked closely with and provided data to the DH about pricing and volumes and we hoped this would be reflected in the tariff.  Although we have only just received the Tariff, we believe that it does represent much of our input and we are all now looking forward to putting it into practice.” However the ACSM caution, it will take time to fully understand the full impact of the Tariff.  It has been a complex process, so no one can be certain yet if there will be any impact on the quality and continuity of supply, even though in the short term it will do much to restore confidence in the supply chain.

News article published 12 October 2011 by the NHS Business Services Authority Website. 'New arrangements for reimbursing specials - Q&A' and also for the 'Proposed Specials Tariff to be published November 2011' have been published. Please click   here to view the documents.

It was announced on the 8 th September that the PSNC have reached an agreement with the Department of Health regarding the funding settlement package for 2011/12. From the 1 st November this year, a Specials tariff will be introduced as an initial change to the reimbursement arrangements. Further changes will be made throughout the year. Although we have yet to see the final tariff, we are hopeful that its content may largely reflect the input and existing pricing structures of ACSM members.   If the net result is an end to uncontrolled price inflation within the distribution chain, then this will be a positive thing for the industry and will ultimately have the effect of reducing the overall spend on specials.   As manufacturers, we believe the tariff acknowledges us as a high quality source of supply that is aiming to offer best value for money to the NHS.

Please click here to view this PJ Online article published 08.09.2011

Please click here to view this PJ Online article published 17/02/2011

25th January 2011 Following a recent article in the Daily Mail the ACSM, Association of Commercial Specials Manufacturers, is keen to reassure patients of the need for specials or unlicensed medicines.    The article raised questions about the necessity of providing specially prepared liquid forms of common medicines for some patients.   Although the ACSM cannot comment on the details of the drug preparation in the article, in general, unlicensed medicines are prescribed by a doctor to meet a patient’s specific clinical need, for example, allergy to drug excipients or inability to swallow.   In these instances a doctor may decide to prescribe a special if there is no licensed alternative available to give to the patient.   Splitting and crushing tablets is not a satisfactory alternative as it does not always result in the patient receiving the correct formulation leading to a patient getting a much higher or much lower dose than is prescribed. Anyone who has concerns