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ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL SPECIALS MANUFACTURERS

Shaping the future of the UK Specials sector 

WELCOME

Welcome to the Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers. Here you will find resources, tools and advice for doctors, pharmacists, patients and anyone with an interest in Specials in the UK. Specials are unlicensed medicines which are prescribed when a patient needs a very specific formulation of a drug which isn’t available as a licensed medicine.

Pharmacist  in aisle of Pharmacy

ABOUT THE APSM

THE VOICE OF THE INDUSTRY

The Association of Pharmaceutical Specials Manufacturers (APSM) is a not-for-profit trade association established to represent the interests of its members who supply Specials and unlicensed medicines in the UK. You can find a list of members here

WORKING WITH REGULATORS

Our purpose is to:

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  • Promote and strengthen the UK Specials medicines industry and the use of Specials and unlicensed medicines in the UK
     

  • Represent the views and interests of Specials manufacturers and suppliers, in particular to the UK government, and the devolved administrations and health departments, regulators and other relevant third parties
     

  • Provide a compliant forum for the exchange of ideas and best practice and agree and maintain appropriate standards of conduct for APSM members
     

  • Promote a regulatory, pricing and market environment that enables the reasonable development and sustainability of Specials and unlicensed medicines markets in the interests of APSM members, patients and UK health services

ENSURING PATIENT SAFETY

The UK specials industry is one of the most regulated in the world and the quality of our specials manufacture and supply chain has never been higher.  We continue to innovate and prioritise patient safety and this has ensured the sustainability of the specials sector.

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DELIVERING VALUE TO THE NHS

Testimonials
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“Unlicensed medicines improve adherence, access to therapy and reduce the burden on the health system.  This otherwise unmet patient clinical need is the driving force behind the specials sector and demonstrates true value to the NHS.”

Brian Fisher, Vice Chair

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