Licensed medicines
Licensed Medicines are split into a number of categories and the size of the contract is determined by the characteristics, dynamics and risks associated with each category.
Tendering
NPSG have agreed that licensed medicines should only be tendered by CMU. This means that local procurement hubs should not be tendering for these categories of medicines.
Generic medicines
The following categories are managed by the CMU Generics team.
Generic Medicines used in hospital
Generic Medicines that are predominantly used in the hospital sector e.g. injectable medicines.
Length of framework
Variable up to 2 years
Scope of framework contract
One third (33%) of England, divided by buying group e.g. one third could be a combination of DSW and DLN.
Three lots are tendered for differing periods and awarded (where possible) to different suppliers so that there is a sequential opportunity to re-render the business maintain diversity and foster competition.
Generic medicines used in primary care
Generic medicines of which <10% national demand is used in the hospital sector and >90% in primary care.
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
National (100%) – whole of England
Clozapine and Sevoflurane
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England
Patent expiring medicines
Medicines near /at patent expiry; ‘Transition products’. This excludes biosimilars.
Length of framework
Variable
Scope of framework contract
One third (33%) of England – each third including 2 CMU buying groups i.e.:
- DCE + DSW
- DNW + DLN
- DLS + DNE
Branded medicines
The following categories are managed by the CMU Branded team.
“Tranche” medicines
Branded medicines for which there is a competitive market including Biosimilars.
Length of framework
Variable up to 2 years
Size of framework contract
By region: NOE, MAE, London and SOFE.
Sole supplier
Branded medicines with only one supplier and minimal therapeutic competition.
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England
Intravenous fluids
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England
Blood products
The following categories are managed by the CMU Blood Products team.
Albumin
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England
Icatibant and C1-esterase inhibitor
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Blood clotting factors
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Prothrombin Plasma Complex
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Immunoglobulin and Anti-D
Intravenous and Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin & Anti D
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework contract
England and Northern Ireland