About tranche frameworks
Some diseases and conditions can be treated by more than one branded medicine. Contracts for therapeutic categories of medicines for which there is a competitive market are managed by the Medicines Procurement and Supply Chain (MPSC). These contracts are tendered within a tranche system. The tranche system allows for competition between different medicines within the same treatment area.
There are two tranche frameworks:
- Tranche A
- Tranche B
For these frameworks, a 2-region model is used;
- London (LNW) with the South of England (SOFE),
- North of England (NOFE) with the Midlands and East (MAE).
The tranche frameworks are tendered once every 2 years for each of the above regions. The framework allows for an opportunity to review prices annually to ensure equity of prices across England.
Contract start dates
The tranche frameworks start in September on a rolling basis, for example:
- September in an odd-numbered year:
- Tranche A: London with the South of England;
- Tranche B: North of England with the Midlands and East
- September in an even-numbered year:
- Tranche A: North of England with the Midlands and East
- Tranche B: London with the South of England
Tranche A
Tranche A includes the following therapeutic categories:
- Erythropoetin stimulating agents (ESAs)
- Granulocyte colony stimulating factors (GCSFs)
- Insulin analogues
- Medicines for multiple sclerosis
- Intravenous iron
- Medicines for severe asthma
- Severe asthma/Interleukin inhibitor medicines
- Teriparatide
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework
By procurement region
Tranche B
Tranche B includes the following therapeutic categories:
- Adalimumab
- Bevacizumab
- Cytokine modulators
- Interleukin Inhibitors
- Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors
- Monoclonal antibodies
Length of framework
2 years
Scope of framework
By procurement region
Update history
- Republished
- Full review and update
- Published