National pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement is a complex and ever-changing area. In a rapidly evolving market it is essential that executives are briefed on the regulatory systems that determine the way in which your company operates and sells its products.
The Pricing & Reimbursement of Medicines in the United Kingdom - Understanding the pharmaceutical market in the healthcare system is a straightforward guide to the pricing and reimbursement mechanisms in the UK market, in particular the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) that came into force in January 2005.
The 70 page report clearly explains the structure of the healthcare system and the regulations and arrangements in place that provide the framework for setting medicine prices and gaining reimbursement through the state financed national health service (NHS). Attention is paid to the mechanisms that restrict spend on pharmaceuticals, including the role of the National Institute for Clinical Evidence (NICE) in England and its equivalent in Scotland. Finally, key current or forthcoming events that may affect the environment are identified and explained. Latest market figures are provided where possible.
As the National Health Service (NHS) reimburses the majority of drugs sold in the UK, the UK has developed an unusual system of controlling pharmaceutical companies' profits through a 'voluntary' agreement, known as the PPRS, between the Government and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Although some patients pay a small co-payment, the health service is free at the point of contact and most patients are protected from the true cost of medicines. However, a series of cost-control measures on the demand side, including the use of government bodies (The National Institute of Clinical Excellence, NICE; and the Health Technology Board for Scotland, HTBS), to assess clinical-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, makes the UK one of the most controlled environments in Europe.
Additional Information
Reasons to read this report:
Save time by concisely explaining the key elements of pricing and reimbursement regulation in the UK
Understand the principles of the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS)
Gain insight into latest policies and the political environment affecting the reimbursement of medicines
Learn common jargon and terminology used in the UK healthcare system
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