APSM

A November boost and why it’s good for payors, patients and APSM members 29 th October 2013 . In the latest (November) update to the Specials Tariff 51 new products have been added, bringing the total number of specials regulated under the Tariff to 188.   The addition was widely anticipated by the APSM members and includes both larger prescribed specials as well as smaller volume specials. Although there are potentially thousands of different formulations of specials, the top 500 (by value) account for 96% of all spend.   It is these 500 where much of the focus has been and now around half of the Top 100 specials are captured in the Tariff.     Amongst the latest round of changes more than half are in the Top 500 and represent around 3,500 prescriptions each quarter.  Says the APSM, “Creating a workable Tariff for specials was not an easy process. Partly due to the sheer variety and number of formulations involved, but also because of the highly bespoke nature of producti

APSM launch results of 2013 Specials Survey When it comes to dispensing Specials, pharmacists are as likely to refer to CCG (PCT) advice as to their own RPS Guidelines on best practice.   This is clear evidence of the continued and increasing pressure by CCGs (PCTs) to focus on cost, even though the overall Specials bill has decreased by 25% 1 since the introduction of the Specials Tariff in November 2011.  A survey conducted by the Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers in June 2013 explored the attitudes of 200 pharmacists into various aspects of the Specials sector and compared the results with a similar survey conducted in 2012.    A year ago, pharmacists were most likely to refer to a GP for advice about a Specials prescription (49.5%).   However, in 2013 pharmacists ranked CCGs (PCTs) their first source of advice (52.5%) - a significant increase from 46.5% in the previous year.   The poll of pharmacists went on to state that 50% had been asked to

In response to an article in The Daily Telegraph June 22 nd , the APSM, Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers, has spoken out in support of the Specials Tariff, a system that was introduced by the DOH to create a more transparent process for reimbursing specials, linking the cost of reimbursement to the cost of the product, while providing value for money for the NHS.  Since the introduction of the Specials Tariff in November 2011, the average cost per item has fallen by 25% (from £180 to £135).   The Specials Tariff was set using a system similar to that used for the calculation of the price of category M generics.  Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU), licensed specials manufacturers provided sales information to the DOH, which has been used to set a reimbursement price that includes margin.     These prices take into the account the high quality manufacturing processes that must be adhered to by companies wishing to supply products listed on the Specials

In response to an article in The Daily Telegraph on Friday 21 st June, The Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers, APSM, has stated that it strongly condemns any activity that would result in overcharging for supply of medicines to the NHS. The Daily Telegraph article alleges activity to overcharge on medicines, based on interviews with individuals working in the specials industry. The allegations in the Daily Telegraph article, if proven, would not be considered acceptable practice at any level and would not be reflective of the vast majority of specials manufacturers in the UK.  The APSM, which represents manufacturers of unlicensed medicines (specials) within the UK, has worked closely with the Department of Health in recent years to develop a more transparent system of pricing and supply that protects the interests of patients and the NHS.  The specials sector provides a vitally important service and those involved take a responsible and long term appro