Last week the BBC news reported here on the NHS deal on the product inclisiran (Leqvio) 284mg/1.5ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes which is manufactured by Novartis and currently distributed via a solus agreement with AAH.
Interestingly from September 2021, a new section, Part VIIIC has been added to the Drug tariff which deals with the reimbursement of this product, whether prescribed by brand or generic name. This new section lists the nominal price which is reimbursed for each of these items dispensed.
This reimbursement price of £55.00 per unit dispensed in Part VIIIC is significantly lower than its NHS list price which is listed in the dm+d online at £1987.36. This is because a commercial deal has been put in place by NHS England and NHS Improvement with the manufacturer or supplier to supply the product at a reduced cost.
Currently this is the only product listed in Pat VIIIC and no endorsement is required.
According to the Dispensing Doctors Association [DDA] website “A solus distribution arrangement with AAH UK has been reached, with packs priced at an agreed £45 per pack.”
Another interesting point to note is that “The Part VIIIC arrangements for Inclisiran apply to England only, and it has been agreed with DHSC that arrangements for Inclisiran would not set a precedent for any future considerations to Part VIIIC of the Drug Tariff.”
However, according to the Drug Tariff wording if there are any problems with procurement or ordering of the product you should take the following steps:
1 – “contractors must first contact the suppliers of the product for notification and resolution” in this case this will be AAH.
2 – AAH can then contact the manufacturer Novartis with a view to resolving any supply issues within 5 days of receipt of the initial contact
3 – Where a dispensing doctor has not had this issue resolved within 5 days they should contact the DDA with evidence of the issue[s] which are causing the problem
DDA contact email: office@dispensingdoctor.org
DDA Website article cited: https://dispensingdoctor.org/news/new-part-viiic-added-to-english-drug-tariff/
Drug Tariff Online Part VIIC: https://www.drugtariff.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/#/00807270-DD/DD00806548/Part%20VIIIC%20-%20Arrangements%20of%20Payment%20for%20Products%20with%20a%20Nominal%20Price%20(England)
