An explanation of branded "Tranche" Medicines in a competitive market

About

Some diseases and conditions can be treated by more than one branded medicine.

Therapeutic categories sitting within a competitive market have been allocated to a “Tranche” system.

There are three Tranches:

  • Tranche A
  • Tranche B
  • Annual Tranche

Tranche A

This includes the following therapeutic categories:

  • Epoetins (ESAs)
  • (Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factors) GCSFs
  • Botulinum toxins
  • Intravenous iron
  • Anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti VEGF)
  • Antiretrovirals

Length of framework

2 years plus a further 24 months extension option

Scope of framework

By procurement region

Tranche B

This includes the following therapeutic categories:

  • Low Molecular Weight (LMW) heparins
  • Gonadorelins
  • Fertility medicines
  • Antifungals
  • Insulin analogues
  • Inhaled antibiotics CF (for Cystic Fibrosis)
  • Multiple Sclerosis

Length of framework

2 years plus a further 24 months extension option

Scope of framework

By procurement region

Annual Tranche

This includes the following therapeutic categories:

  • Cytokine modulators
  • miscellaneous monoclonal antibodies (including some biosimilars)
  • Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK) inhibitors
  • Interleukin inhibitors
  • products for severe migraine and severe asthma

Length of framework

1 years plus a further 12 months extension option

Some products may be moved into a 2 year framework according to market dynamics.

Scope of framework

By procurement region

Contract start date

The Tranche frameworks start in either March or September on a rolling basis, for example:

  • September in an odd-numbered year: Tranche A = SOFE; Tranche B = London
  • March in an odd-numbered year: Tranche A = NOFE; Tranche B = MAE
  • September in an even-numbered year: Tranche A = London; Tranche B = SOFE
  • March in an even-numbered year: Tranche A = MAE; Tranche B = NOFE

Adalimumab

Adalimumab is tendered separately.

Length of framework

2 years plus a further 24 months extension option

Framework commenced

1st April 2020

Scope of framework

National agreement with regional access awards

Hepatitis C

A national Hepatitis C contract is in place from 1/5/19 – 31/3/22. This has been tendered and awarded by the Commercial Medicines Directorate. Details of the contract are available in the CMU Pharmacy web catalogue.

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