Voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access
An agreement between DHSC and the ABPI on getting the best value and most effective medicines into use more quickly.
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The voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access is a non-contractual voluntary agreement between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).
DHSC is acting on behalf of the UK government, representing the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The ABPI is the representative body of the UK pharmaceutical industry.
The voluntary scheme aims to:
- improve patient access to medicines by getting the best value and most effective medicines into use more quickly
- keep the branded medicine bill affordable for the NHS through a cap in growth of branded sales
- support innovation and a successful life sciences industry in the UK
The voluntary scheme started on 1 January 2019 and will be in place for 5 years until 2023.
The scheme annexes were amended by agreement of DHSC and ABPI on 19 January 2022.
The annexes document may not be compatible with assistive technology. To request a fully accessible version, contact dh.brandedmedicines@dhsc.gov.uk.
Last updated 20 January 2022 + show all updates
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The annex to the 2019 voluntary scheme has been amended by the agreement of DHSC and ABPI. The amendment to annex 4 changes the way in which proxy growth is calculated and the amendment to annex 5 sets the 2022 payment percentage at 15%.
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First published.